I first received a call from CAMCO a few months ago. The woman on the other end barely spoke english and she abruptly hung up on me when I insisted she give me specifics about the debt she claimed I owed. I knew right then and there this was some sort of scam.

I received another call last week from an aggressive, rude woman who told me the debt was from 1980. I told her I did not have any outstanding debts from 1980 and even if I did there had to have been a statute of limitations. She asked me if I understood what I was talking about. I told her to never call me again and hung up.

Today I received a letter in the mail from Dawn Anderson telling me I owe $3,006.89 not including interest, late charges, and other charges that may vary from day to day. The letter said that unless I notify their office within 30 days to dispute the validity of the debt their office will consider the debt valid.

I have purchase two homes since 1980 as well as many other major purchases. Any problems I had with my credit were cleared up years ago. I was happy to learn that I am not the only one who is being scammed by this company. I will be more than happy to participate in any cival suit brought against this company

Lola
Towanda, TexasU.S.A.

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AUTHOR: Scott - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 25, 2004

POSTED: Wednesday, August 25, 2004

Get real buddy. Are you eyes really that closed. The fact that the FTC hit camco for a huge fine PROVES camco VIOLATES the law. I get a dozen emails a day from people who have been abused by your company. 95% of the emails are from people who never heard of the debt.

I recently called up with one of your victims and the idiot collector started out by asking if the consumer had received a subpoena. SOOOOO ILLEGAL. That tape has been mailed out to the illinois attorney general. I can think of 3 states minimum who are working on a lawsuit right now against your company.

These people may work slowly but in the end you company is finished and I hope your officers rot in prison where they belong. Oh, what is your fake name over there. If you are a nasty collector I will know it right away.

AUTHOR: Mike - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, August 23, 2004

POSTED: Monday, August 23, 2004

First off unless you know the law don't try to quote the law. Satute of limitations does not eliminate a debt( see johnson vs captiol 1 + NCO supreme court ruling). Many collection agencies get nothing but an affidavit of assignment as paperwork included with the debt. They do not have access to origional statements, sig's, what you bought and where because it is a privacy issue. Would you really want them to. I dont want some stranger going thru itemized statements and my bills. Thats my business and as long as i pay my bills I wont have to worry about it.If you dont pay your bills they will follow you for the rest of your life. Yes any "bad" credit ratings fall off your credit on avg in 7 years, so when you go to buy your house, car, or file bankruptcy they are not listed on the report. That doesnt mean you dont owe the bill or that its not out there any more. The fact that CAMCO has been fined by the FTC shows clear as day they are a legitimate company operating under the guidelines set forth by the fdcpa, who is governed by the FTC who falls under the jurisdiction of congress and its president-the vp of our country. Every year there is an annual report submitted to congress regarding different policy changes reg. the fdcpa, congress votes on these rules and regs,and changes are made accordingly. If you dont like the law write to your congressmen.
Just like in any company there are individuals who violate co. policy and sometimes the law, these people do not last long in the profession. I have been a collector for quite some time and what everyone fails to realize is that collectors are people, they make mistakes and some of them aren't the brightest in the world. If you receive something from a collection agency and it is genuinely not your debt it was a mistake. Instead of becoming irrate, call the company and work with them in solving the problem(nine times out of ten you will get a prompt response and result) If you call up screaming and cursing of course you will get no result, we are in collections not customer service, we are not here to field your complaints or help you solve your financial mishaps, we are here to collect on your unpaid debt. The sad truth is in this country a large percentage of people will try anything to get out of paying their bills. I dont like paying bills but I do because that is the way this country works. In this industry collectors hear its not my bill so many times they become jaded. Any one remember the story of the boy who cried wolf? When you hear its not my bill 20 times a day from people you know are lying the 21st time you hear it why should you believe it. Some collectors are rude, insulting, etc.. but these people are always that way.. if they were working at Burger King you would be complaining on a Burger King site. Im not going to try to convince any of you this way or the other but until you are on the inside of the industry dont rush to snap judgements bc you are speaking on a subject with which you know nothing of. If you dont like the fact that im a collector and i should get a real job my response to you would be-Pay your bills. Supply and demand, bc people dont pay their bills is the sole reason this job exists. This is the worlds second oldest profession, we all know the first right?? I end my rant at this, I know CAMCO, i know managers and gm's there, this industry is very tight knit and if you are a collector who produces you are known throughout the industry. Camco is not a scam and for every 1 person that has a bad exp with them there are 5 who dont. No one is going to post on this site saying- i had a unpaid bill and dodged it for 8 yrs bc i over extended my finances and couldnt afford to pay it, then camco called me and offered me 10 cents on the dollar of what I origionally charged on my card and I did the right thing and paid it, and I feel good about it because I did the right thing. Every person who has a bad exp will tell ten people when every person that has a good exp will tell just 1 or even zero people. Why would they tell their friend- you know.. camco has to be the best debt collection agency I have ever dealt with- of course they wont do that. If you run into camco or any other collection agency take a breath, settle down and call or write them explaining the situation and if you cant come to an agreement follow the appropriate steps. As long as you pay your bills then you have nothing to worry about.

AUTHOR: Mike - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, August 23, 2004

POSTED: Monday, August 23, 2004

First off unless you know the law don't try to quote the law. Satute of limitations does not eliminate a debt( see johnson vs captiol 1 + NCO supreme court ruling). Many collection agencies get nothing but an affidavit of assignment as paperwork included with the debt. They do not have access to origional statements, sig's, what you bought and where because it is a privacy issue. Would you really want them to. I dont want some stranger going thru itemized statements and my bills. Thats my business and as long as i pay my bills I wont have to worry about it.If you dont pay your bills they will follow you for the rest of your life. Yes any "bad" credit ratings fall off your credit on avg in 7 years, so when you go to buy your house, car, or file bankruptcy they are not listed on the report. That doesnt mean you dont owe the bill or that its not out there any more. The fact that CAMCO has been fined by the FTC shows clear as day they are a legitimate company operating under the guidelines set forth by the fdcpa, who is governed by the FTC who falls under the jurisdiction of congress and its president-the vp of our country. Every year there is an annual report submitted to congress regarding different policy changes reg. the fdcpa, congress votes on these rules and regs,and changes are made accordingly. If you dont like the law write to your congressmen.
Just like in any company there are individuals who violate co. policy and sometimes the law, these people do not last long in the profession. I have been a collector for quite some time and what everyone fails to realize is that collectors are people, they make mistakes and some of them aren't the brightest in the world. If you receive something from a collection agency and it is genuinely not your debt it was a mistake. Instead of becoming irrate, call the company and work with them in solving the problem(nine times out of ten you will get a prompt response and result) If you call up screaming and cursing of course you will get no result, we are in collections not customer service, we are not here to field your complaints or help you solve your financial mishaps, we are here to collect on your unpaid debt. The sad truth is in this country a large percentage of people will try anything to get out of paying their bills. I dont like paying bills but I do because that is the way this country works. In this industry collectors hear its not my bill so many times they become jaded. Any one remember the story of the boy who cried wolf? When you hear its not my bill 20 times a day from people you know are lying the 21st time you hear it why should you believe it. Some collectors are rude, insulting, etc.. but these people are always that way.. if they were working at Burger King you would be complaining on a Burger King site. Im not going to try to convince any of you this way or the other but until you are on the inside of the industry dont rush to snap judgements bc you are speaking on a subject with which you know nothing of. If you dont like the fact that im a collector and i should get a real job my response to you would be-Pay your bills. Supply and demand, bc people dont pay their bills is the sole reason this job exists. This is the worlds second oldest profession, we all know the first right?? I end my rant at this, I know CAMCO, i know managers and gm's there, this industry is very tight knit and if you are a collector who produces you are known throughout the industry. Camco is not a scam and for every 1 person that has a bad exp with them there are 5 who dont. No one is going to post on this site saying- i had a unpaid bill and dodged it for 8 yrs bc i over extended my finances and couldnt afford to pay it, then camco called me and offered me 10 cents on the dollar of what I origionally charged on my card and I did the right thing and paid it, and I feel good about it because I did the right thing. Every person who has a bad exp will tell ten people when every person that has a good exp will tell just 1 or even zero people. Why would they tell their friend- you know.. camco has to be the best debt collection agency I have ever dealt with- of course they wont do that. If you run into camco or any other collection agency take a breath, settle down and call or write them explaining the situation and if you cant come to an agreement follow the appropriate steps. As long as you pay your bills then you have nothing to worry about.

AUTHOR: Mike - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, August 23, 2004

POSTED: Monday, August 23, 2004

First off unless you know the law don't try to quote the law. Satute of limitations does not eliminate a debt( see johnson vs captiol 1 + NCO supreme court ruling). Many collection agencies get nothing but an affidavit of assignment as paperwork included with the debt. They do not have access to origional statements, sig's, what you bought and where because it is a privacy issue. Would you really want them to. I dont want some stranger going thru itemized statements and my bills. Thats my business and as long as i pay my bills I wont have to worry about it.If you dont pay your bills they will follow you for the rest of your life. Yes any "bad" credit ratings fall off your credit on avg in 7 years, so when you go to buy your house, car, or file bankruptcy they are not listed on the report. That doesnt mean you dont owe the bill or that its not out there any more. The fact that CAMCO has been fined by the FTC shows clear as day they are a legitimate company operating under the guidelines set forth by the fdcpa, who is governed by the FTC who falls under the jurisdiction of congress and its president-the vp of our country. Every year there is an annual report submitted to congress regarding different policy changes reg. the fdcpa, congress votes on these rules and regs,and changes are made accordingly. If you dont like the law write to your congressmen.
Just like in any company there are individuals who violate co. policy and sometimes the law, these people do not last long in the profession. I have been a collector for quite some time and what everyone fails to realize is that collectors are people, they make mistakes and some of them aren't the brightest in the world. If you receive something from a collection agency and it is genuinely not your debt it was a mistake. Instead of becoming irrate, call the company and work with them in solving the problem(nine times out of ten you will get a prompt response and result) If you call up screaming and cursing of course you will get no result, we are in collections not customer service, we are not here to field your complaints or help you solve your financial mishaps, we are here to collect on your unpaid debt. The sad truth is in this country a large percentage of people will try anything to get out of paying their bills. I dont like paying bills but I do because that is the way this country works. In this industry collectors hear its not my bill so many times they become jaded. Any one remember the story of the boy who cried wolf? When you hear its not my bill 20 times a day from people you know are lying the 21st time you hear it why should you believe it. Some collectors are rude, insulting, etc.. but these people are always that way.. if they were working at Burger King you would be complaining on a Burger King site. Im not going to try to convince any of you this way or the other but until you are on the inside of the industry dont rush to snap judgements bc you are speaking on a subject with which you know nothing of. If you dont like the fact that im a collector and i should get a real job my response to you would be-Pay your bills. Supply and demand, bc people dont pay their bills is the sole reason this job exists. This is the worlds second oldest profession, we all know the first right?? I end my rant at this, I know CAMCO, i know managers and gm's there, this industry is very tight knit and if you are a collector who produces you are known throughout the industry. Camco is not a scam and for every 1 person that has a bad exp with them there are 5 who dont. No one is going to post on this site saying- i had a unpaid bill and dodged it for 8 yrs bc i over extended my finances and couldnt afford to pay it, then camco called me and offered me 10 cents on the dollar of what I origionally charged on my card and I did the right thing and paid it, and I feel good about it because I did the right thing. Every person who has a bad exp will tell ten people when every person that has a good exp will tell just 1 or even zero people. Why would they tell their friend- you know.. camco has to be the best debt collection agency I have ever dealt with- of course they wont do that. If you run into camco or any other collection agency take a breath, settle down and call or write them explaining the situation and if you cant come to an agreement follow the appropriate steps. As long as you pay your bills then you have nothing to worry about.

AUTHOR: Mike - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, August 23, 2004

POSTED: Monday, August 23, 2004

First off unless you know the law don't try to quote the law. Satute of limitations does not eliminate a debt( see johnson vs captiol 1 + NCO supreme court ruling). Many collection agencies get nothing but an affidavit of assignment as paperwork included with the debt. They do not have access to origional statements, sig's, what you bought and where because it is a privacy issue. Would you really want them to. I dont want some stranger going thru itemized statements and my bills. Thats my business and as long as i pay my bills I wont have to worry about it.If you dont pay your bills they will follow you for the rest of your life. Yes any "bad" credit ratings fall off your credit on avg in 7 years, so when you go to buy your house, car, or file bankruptcy they are not listed on the report. That doesnt mean you dont owe the bill or that its not out there any more. The fact that CAMCO has been fined by the FTC shows clear as day they are a legitimate company operating under the guidelines set forth by the fdcpa, who is governed by the FTC who falls under the jurisdiction of congress and its president-the vp of our country. Every year there is an annual report submitted to congress regarding different policy changes reg. the fdcpa, congress votes on these rules and regs,and changes are made accordingly. If you dont like the law write to your congressmen.
Just like in any company there are individuals who violate co. policy and sometimes the law, these people do not last long in the profession. I have been a collector for quite some time and what everyone fails to realize is that collectors are people, they make mistakes and some of them aren't the brightest in the world. If you receive something from a collection agency and it is genuinely not your debt it was a mistake. Instead of becoming irrate, call the company and work with them in solving the problem(nine times out of ten you will get a prompt response and result) If you call up screaming and cursing of course you will get no result, we are in collections not customer service, we are not here to field your complaints or help you solve your financial mishaps, we are here to collect on your unpaid debt. The sad truth is in this country a large percentage of people will try anything to get out of paying their bills. I dont like paying bills but I do because that is the way this country works. In this industry collectors hear its not my bill so many times they become jaded. Any one remember the story of the boy who cried wolf? When you hear its not my bill 20 times a day from people you know are lying the 21st time you hear it why should you believe it. Some collectors are rude, insulting, etc.. but these people are always that way.. if they were working at Burger King you would be complaining on a Burger King site. Im not going to try to convince any of you this way or the other but until you are on the inside of the industry dont rush to snap judgements bc you are speaking on a subject with which you know nothing of. If you dont like the fact that im a collector and i should get a real job my response to you would be-Pay your bills. Supply and demand, bc people dont pay their bills is the sole reason this job exists. This is the worlds second oldest profession, we all know the first right?? I end my rant at this, I know CAMCO, i know managers and gm's there, this industry is very tight knit and if you are a collector who produces you are known throughout the industry. Camco is not a scam and for every 1 person that has a bad exp with them there are 5 who dont. No one is going to post on this site saying- i had a unpaid bill and dodged it for 8 yrs bc i over extended my finances and couldnt afford to pay it, then camco called me and offered me 10 cents on the dollar of what I origionally charged on my card and I did the right thing and paid it, and I feel good about it because I did the right thing. Every person who has a bad exp will tell ten people when every person that has a good exp will tell just 1 or even zero people. Why would they tell their friend- you know.. camco has to be the best debt collection agency I have ever dealt with- of course they wont do that. If you run into camco or any other collection agency take a breath, settle down and call or write them explaining the situation and if you cant come to an agreement follow the appropriate steps. As long as you pay your bills then you have nothing to worry about.

AUTHOR: Mark - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 14, 2004

POSTED: Wednesday, July 14, 2004

You have hit the nail on the head. I, and no one worth their salt, can give you legal advise about your case in this forum. First and foremost, you should research possible class action suits against this company. Use FindLaw or Yahoo for this task.

In all likelihood, you are better off filing an individual action in your local court. Jurisdiction should be no problem, and the FDCPA offers a "private right of action" giving you legal standing to bring such a case (if the facts of the case support your action).

Best bet would be to consult a local attorney regarding your actions. If you really feel up to it, you can attempt a pro se action in small claims. If that is the route you wish to take, make sure you research everything well, BEFORE filing your complaint. Consult http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/ for information on your local requirements and rules.

AUTHOR: Scott - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 10, 2004

POSTED: Saturday, July 10, 2004

If you settle with Camco they will sell the remaining part of the debt to whitewing financial who will start it all over again . There is NEVER a reason to pay these scammer. ALL of the debts are time barred. They CANNOT sue and they CANNOT ruin your credit- ever. Cease and desist them certified mail. Find my original thread and contact me for help. Find the fox news story and call and give your story. Be heard. The pressure is building on these people. Another Michigan lawsuit is hitting camco next week. I just talked to that attorney a few days ago.

AUTHOR: S.n. - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 10, 2004

POSTED: Saturday, July 10, 2004

After reading various rip off reports on CAMCO, I would suggest (and I am not an attorney or involved in the legal field in any fashion) that you require this company to send you an agreement letter on their company letterhead with an authorized signature BEFORE you send them anything. Make sure whatever method you use to pay them is traceable and keep copies of everything. If they then sell this account to another collection agency you have proof that it was already paid and you can dispute negative information on your credit report if you need to do so.

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, July 09, 2004

POSTED: Friday, July 09, 2004

So what is your point? They can settle on the accoutns for whatever they want. If the debt was only a year old, a collection agency still has the ability to settle on it. The accounts are shuffled if one collector cant make anything happen with it, so each collector has their own approach. Thats why you talked to a female in the last conversation. If they said it will mess up your credit, that is illegal. But did you run up the bill? If you did pay the bill, send them the something that shows a zero balance and they will stop persuing you. That simple.

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, July 09, 2004

POSTED: Friday, July 09, 2004

So what is your point? They can settle on the accoutns for whatever they want. If the debt was only a year old, a collection agency still has the ability to settle on it. The accounts are shuffled if one collector cant make anything happen with it, so each collector has their own approach. Thats why you talked to a female in the last conversation. If they said it will mess up your credit, that is illegal. But did you run up the bill? If you did pay the bill, send them the something that shows a zero balance and they will stop persuing you. That simple.

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, July 09, 2004

POSTED: Friday, July 09, 2004

So what is your point? They can settle on the accoutns for whatever they want. If the debt was only a year old, a collection agency still has the ability to settle on it. The accounts are shuffled if one collector cant make anything happen with it, so each collector has their own approach. Thats why you talked to a female in the last conversation. If they said it will mess up your credit, that is illegal. But did you run up the bill? If you did pay the bill, send them the something that shows a zero balance and they will stop persuing you. That simple.

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, July 09, 2004

POSTED: Friday, July 09, 2004

So what is your point? They can settle on the accoutns for whatever they want. If the debt was only a year old, a collection agency still has the ability to settle on it. The accounts are shuffled if one collector cant make anything happen with it, so each collector has their own approach. Thats why you talked to a female in the last conversation. If they said it will mess up your credit, that is illegal. But did you run up the bill? If you did pay the bill, send them the something that shows a zero balance and they will stop persuing you. That simple.

AUTHOR: Bruce - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 08, 2004

POSTED: Thursday, July 08, 2004

They have sent me two letters in the mail telling me to call them when I did call them they told me I owed $560.00 But hold on a second let me call them an see how much they would be willing to except with in a few seconds he told me that they would settle for 260.00 dollars - 25% as soon as my wife got on the phone asking him quesitions he got real mad an said he wasn't going to repeat the information to her an hung up on her. Than four weeks went by I got a call from a lady on 7-8-04 telling me that she was from Capital Acquisitions telling me that my account has been handed over to the collection agency telling me I need to pay or else it could mess up my credit if not paid.

AUTHOR: Sylvia - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, February 14, 2004

POSTED: Saturday, February 14, 2004

Mark, thanks for posting all that information. I have read the FDCPA but these bozos tend to irritate me. I think what gets most people in an uproar are sCAMCO's slimy tactics as well as trying to collect on a debt that can't possibly be valid, e.g. a debt incurred when the person was 2 years old. There are undoubtedly many people out there who have paid these questionable debts either because they don't know their rights or have been terrorized into paying. Not everyone has access to the internet so they wouldn't have any way of checking. No matter what anyone says, there's is no way I will give money to someone I've never heard of calling out of the blue and saying I owe them a debt. They had better prove I owe the money; otherwise, I won't pay.

AUTHOR: Mark - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, February 12, 2004

POSTED: Thursday, February 12, 2004

Having read over the debate above, I have only one thing to add. Consumer should become educated on their rights and obligations. I simply cannot understand how this many people can debate various facts about debt collection practices in general and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act specifically, when an overwhelming amount of information on these topics can be found as easily as finding this site.

Yes, I have a client that contacted me about CAMCO and yes, I believe they may have violated 15 USC 1962 (FDCPA) in their attempts to collect the debt, but not for the reasons I see posted above. I urge everyone that posted above to take a few moments to visit the FTC and read over their information on the FDCPA. After that, I suggest that each and every consumer obtain a copy of the FDCPA and read it. It is not difficult reading. You can get a copy directly from the FTC website or by visiting anyone of a number of reputable legal portals such as Findlaw.com. Simply look for the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act or use the site 15 USC 1962.

Rather then debate any of the statements made by previous posters (and some were quite constructive, while others were not), I will simply outline some of the basics that everyone should know.

First, it is perfectly legal for CAMCO to contact you if they purchased a delinquent account from a creditor or another collection agency. They ARE NOT required to verify the debt, but cannot attempt to collect the debt if they have reasonable grounds to believe the debt is invalid. There is no time limit as far as attempting to collect a debt.

Second, you, as the consumer, must be notified by CAMCO that they are attempting to collect a debt and that any information they request may be used for that purpose. My suggestion is that you request information be sent to you at the address they have on file and not answer or confirm any questions regarding personal information. This suggestion goes for just about any telephone call from someone you do not know.

Third, you have the right to dispute the validity of the debt claimed. This IS NOT the same as a request to cease communications. (See number four below) You must send this request to the debt collector in writing. It cannot be done over the phone. You have thirty days from the date the debt collector contacts you to submit this request. It need not be sent certified mail. You can even fax the request to most debt collectors. Failure to dispute the debt is NOT an admission that you owe it. Further, the debt collector must cease contacting you UNTIL they are able to provide you with proof of the debt.

Now, this is where it gets tricky. For anyone who has disputed a credit report entry, you will already know that proof can simply be a statement from the creditor, a copy of the credit agreement, etc. For example, the debt collector is not required to send you copies of your credit card statement.

Fourth, you have the right to request that the creditor cease contacting you. You do not need to give a reason or explanation for this request. In fact, you should avoid disputing the debt altogether in such a request. Again, you must do this in writing. Despite several misconceptions I have read here, there is no time limit regarding this request. As soon as the debt collector receives your WRITTEN request to cease communications, they must stop contacting you (with several exceptions).

Keep in mind that the debt collector can still contact you after receiving your request. They can contact you to tell you they will no longer contact you. It is generally accepted that this communication must be in writing. They may also contact you to tell you that they plan to take certain actions in regards to your account. These notices usually involve placing your account with another agency, reporting to a credit reporting agency, or filing a law suit.

Fifth, in most cases the debt collector cannot sue you or garnish your wages. Your debt must be greater than $15,000 to file a claim in Federal District Court. For smaller claims, the debt collector would (generally) have to file a claim in your local county (state) court. It is highly unlikely that a debt collector will hire a local attorney (for several thousand dollars) and file suit against you to collect a $500 debt. Also, for most credit card debt, there are provisions in your card agreement that require other steps to be completed first. All of which are very expensive for the filing party.

Sixth, a debt collector CANNOT threat to do something that he/she cannot legally do. This most often comes into play when a debt collector services a very old account. While the statues in your state may be different, most civil suits must be commenced within two years of the actionable offense. This is somewhat loose for debts. Certainly a debt over five or six years old would most likely not be actionable. Check with your state's statutes for more information.

Therefore, a debt collector calling you about a decade-old debt generally CANNOT threaten to file suit, garnish wages, place a lien on your house, etc. Doing so is usually a violation of the FDCPA. Further, the debt collector CANNOT falsely represent that the debt is larger than it actually is. This includes adding fees from the debt collector that were not disclosed in the contract that created the debt in the first place.

Finally, read over the provisions of the FDCPA regarding harassment, abuse, false representations, and unfair practices. In the VAST majority of suits involving the FDCPA, this is where the debt collector gets into trouble. Personally, I record most all of my telephone conversations. Make sure to check your state's statutes involving wire tapping before you take such action.

Some things to remember when contacted by a debt collector: The debt collector may not, personally, use a false name or fail to provide you with the real name of the debt collection company. The debt collector may not make threats that he/she cannot or does not intend to fulfill. This includes telling the consumer that the account will be sold or was sold and therefore will no longer be x number of years old. As with any legal document, DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING until you have consulted an attorney. If you need to, many courthouses have legal aid departments that can assist you in a limited scope.

Debt collectors, also, cannot use profane or obscene language. Nor can they harass a person. This is defined as The use of [] language the natural consequence of which is to abuse the hearer or reader. I have seen cases where calling a consumer a deadbeat or leach would qualify as abusive. Also, the debt collector cannot call repeatedly (or threaten to do so) simply to annoy or harass the consumer. Telling the consumer that we will call every fifteen minutes, would most likely qualify as threatening to harass.

Saying all of this, the consumer should answer such calls calmly. Armed with a working knowledge of the law, it becomes very easy to request the mailing address of the debt collector and politely informing him/her that you will need a written statement of intent to collect the debt. (They must provide this within 5 days of contacting you.) If you believe the debt is bogus and it is too old to collect, I believe you should simply send a cease communication request in writing. If you wish to dispute the debt, follow the procedures outlined in the FDCPA.

Above all, do not debate the debt, the FDCPA, your legal knowledge (or lack thereof), or the debt collector's options in the matter. Simply request the information you need and then hang-up. An Internet search (try Yahoo! Finance for larger companies) will yield telephone numbers, fax numbers, addresses, and other useful information. Insisting that the caller does not have your personal information or is not following the law does nothing for you and usually only makes you look foolish. Would you argue with a telemarketer? There is really no difference and these people can often do little more than a telemarketer can do.

If a debt collector refuses to follow the rules, you have some options. 41 USC 1692k provides a private right of action. That means that a consumer can file suit against a debt collector in any court with jurisdiction. You must initiate such a suit within one year. If the court finds in your favor, you can be awarded actual damages (failure to get the lower interest rate for a loan due to false credit reporting, for example) as well as up to $1,000 per violation. If a debt collector repeatedly harassed you, this may mean dozens of violations. Often, you can file such cases in your local small claims court or county court. If you are unsure of the merits of your case, ask the local court clerk if they offer pro se sessions. Many courthouses have attorneys that can coach you for free during public sessions.

And finally (really this time), if you have been severally injured by the debt collector (i.e. Provided information to your employer and you lost your job; filed an illegal lien on your car, house, boat, etc; sent you forms/contracts that appear legal but are not; threaten your safety) you should contact an attorney. In such cases, there are plenty of attorneys that can take your case for little or nothing up front. In case of physical threats you should contact your local police department and your local telephone provider (in the case of telephone calls) as soon as possible. No matter what, file a complaint with your state as well as the state where the debt collector is located. Most states have a Consumer Affairs department or contact the State Attorney General directly. As in all legal matter, make all reports, requests, etc. in writing.

This message and its content do not create and should not be construed to create an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute legal advise.

AUTHOR: Nicole - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 10, 2004

POSTED: Tuesday, February 10, 2004

After reading this long list of rebuttals and responses, I keep seeing the phrase "morally right". Terry, you keep asking people not to judge you, but you are in turn judging those of us who have had experience with your company. I am one of those "scum-bags" (as you like to call us) that will not pay this debt. Yes, I co-signed for an ex years ago on a car. Of course he went delinquent. I tried to take the car myself because I argued that if I was legally responsible to pay for this, I should be legally allowed to drive it. This was not the case. The bank would rather reposses it. I have since moved on with my life, barely making ends meet with my husband and our children. Do I consider this debt valid? Yes. Am I paying for it? No way. I've dealt with seven years of bad credit. High interest rates. Denied credit. I've paid this debt over and over. Maybe by not providing your company with the monetary funds you desire for the $.50 debt you bought, but this debt is gone forever, as far as I am concerned.
This is why there is a statute of limitations. I don't think I am morally wrong at all. I sleep great at night. I am a good person who made a bad decision once, years ago. Who the hell are you to call my house at 8:59pm on a weeknight and call me a bad person? A scum bag? I don't harass people on the daily basis. I don't lie, and deceive people on the daily basis. That to me is someone without morals.

You stated that you needed to provide for your family. What if, God forbid, something happened to your that you could not work? Your bills got behind? You are finally, after many hard months or even years, able to climb out of this mess. Lets say you forgot about a bill. Or, you just wished that no one remember. 10 years later someone is knocking on your door and wants the money. You would actually pay for this? I highly doubt it. I guarantee you that those people who actually pay you don't know their legal rights. Because if they did, your company would be out of business.

People should not be judged because of the past. You don't know people, or their stories. Stop being so concerned with other people's moral standings and look at yourself. Only then can you change. Just by saying you are for the people is not sufficient. Your actions speak differently.

AUTHOR: Paul - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, February 09, 2004

POSTED: Monday, February 09, 2004

First of all, Terry, don't kid yourself! I know and you know that everything that is collected at CAMCO can not be collected on. This is why they get the debt at "dirt cheap." Not because it is so old. And if it was legal to collect on, then why don't you have attornies on retainer there? Why can people write the cease and desist letter and stop getting calls? I used to work at CAMCO but only for a short time. Let me tell you though, that was long enough. I remember in training one of the trainers, Judy actually part owner of the company, told us that when a alderly person had a debt to ask them if they had cable and if they said "yes" then our response should be as follow, "Well cable is a luxary item and you can live without it, start using your SSI for something good and pay off your old debt."

Dan was right when he said that you have to abuse people to make any money there. But, we all didn't verbally abuse people, we used other forms of communication, like lying to people. I remember I used to tell people that I could work with their current credit card companies to get a lower APR if they were to use that card to pay off this old debt. Let me tell you, that got people almose 95% of the time. See, they taught us to be in the "grey area" at all times. To be right next to that very thin line of the FDCPA by saying things but not actually saying things.

Now it seems from all of the reports on this website that they really aren't using the same tactics anymore. AND YES THERE IS A OFFICE IN JAMICA I personally know, because one of my friends that is still employed there went and helped open the office for 3 months.

I just really want to let everyone know that you don't have to pay on this. Even if it is your debt and you just think that it was from to long ago. They can't do anything to you legally......except call you. But you can solve all of the phone calls by either blocking there number or by changing your phone number and not listing it. But be careful they can "skip trace" that means they can call any of your current creditors, they can look up your address and call your neihbors, they can call your relatives........but just like Terry said, SEND THE LETTER CERTIFIED......and make sure you get the claimer of a signature back and hold it for your records.

Also, if everyone was to read up on the FDCPA and see just what little it takes for one of CAMCO collectors to violate the FDCPA and record it with a tape collector when they do, you have proof and you can sue. Just be smarter than they are, remember these people that CAMCO has working for them are, for the most part, the scum of ROCKFORD AND THE SURRONDING AREA'S. When I worked there I sat between two people that were always HIGH ON HERION.......now that should tell you how easy it is to get a job there.

REMEMBER YOU HAVE RIGHTS AND YOU LEGALLY DO NOT HAVE TO PAY ON ANYTHING IF IT IS PAST THE STATUE OF LIMITATIONS........

AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, February 08, 2004

POSTED: Sunday, February 08, 2004

People this guy terry is never going to understand anything you all are trying to explain to him (or her). it's obvious he spends his days trying to rip off the consumers that he claims to want to help during his (or her) off times.it must help him (or her) sleep at night. doesnt seem to understand that if his (or her) company can sucker the elderly and misinformed to empty their bank accts just because they receive harassing phone calls and official looking mailings based on scare tactics, SCAM! period. perhaps some mental couseling wil help absolve the pent up feelings of guilt that clouds his (or her) feeble mind. terry you are the worst of the worst. not only are you a scam enabler, but you are also backstabbing your employer. No one forced you to do what you do, you do it by choice. but pick what side you want to play for. and since you dont have any integrity to even use your real name, a good alias for you would be "benedict" as in arnold. and by the way as far as the usage of the term "freedom fighter that you proclaimed my ignorance of, check your rant where you blustered (and I quote) "Are you going to support my family for me being a "Freedom Fighter"? Yea, I think not. Joane, are you going to pay my mortgage," etc., etc., seriously, get some help, maybe take a class on listening and maybe get your GED and move on to a better job. like convenience store clerk or something.

AUTHOR: Sylvia - (U.S.A.)

Be sure you do NOT put your signature on anything as there is reason to believe they have forgers available who will use your signature unlawfully. Scott from Akron knows more on this.

The point of this is not just to get sCAMCO to stop calling, it's to stop them, period. There is no way of knowing how many people have been bullied into paying when they shouldn't. If sCAMCO has all the information on a debt, from Jayhawk or whatever, they should be able to provide validation as many people have requested if you will read through the posts on this site. Nothing is ever validated. Their paperwork is little or none. Terry, I did not ask for validation of every debt sCAMCO is trying to collect, nor did I say anything about having a Jayhawk account. Your responses were absurd. You say you are trying to help people get sCAMCO off their backs but at the same time you are saying they are dishonest and not paying their debts. Prove that the debt exists.

To say most "establishments" are dishonest is completely false. I've been self-supporting working in various establishments since 1968 and know what you say is not true.

You say I avoid answering your questions but you keep avoiding a key element that comes up on this site as well as another one very frequently - if these "debts" that sCAMCO is trying to collect are valid, why do they not prove it? The person being called and accused of not paying his/her bills is not required to send you a dime if you can't prove the debt is legitimate, nor do they have to prove anything to sCAMCO. If you can provide a legal reference that says otherwise, please do.

If you think I work for sCAMCO, you must be out of your mind. I have said absolutely NOTHING that would indicate such.

I hope I used small enough words for you since you seem to be intimidated by big words.

AUTHOR: Joanne - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, February 08, 2004

POSTED: Sunday, February 08, 2004

Here's a sample letter, except it has California laws in it. You can check to find out what the laws are in your state and change it where necessary. I sent this to them at their PO Box address and I received my return receipt in the mail yesterday. I haven't heard from them in over a week.

This is not a refusal to pay, but a notice that your claim is disputed.

CEASE AND DESIST. I would like you to cease and desist all communication with me. This includes both phone and mail.

Under my State of California such accounts have a 4-year limit for filing any action for judgment as per the federal statute of limitations and California statute 337. The starting date of this statute of limitations being the later of the date of last activity, or the date of first default. Your records show that this date on the fictitious account to be well past the statutes of limitations. I have contacted Union Bank where this alleged account derived from and they have no records of me ever having a past due account with them. I will be filing fraud charges with the appropriate agencies.

Any filing of such action by you, or your representatives or assigns, is therefore time-barred.

If this tradeline was in any way re-aged and placed back on my credit report this would constitute a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and a civil suit will follow.

Under the FDCPA, any such action, or threat of such action is a violation of the law, and grounds for fines and civil sanctions.
807. False or misleading representations
A debt collector may not use any false, deceptive, or misleading representation or means in connection with the collection of any debt.
Without limiting the general application of the foregoing, the following conduct is a violation of this section:
(2) The false representation of-- {{4-30-97 p.6620}}
(A) The character, amount, or legal status of any debt; or
(4) The representation or implication that nonpayment of any debt will result in the arrest or imprisonment of any person or the seizure, garnishment, attachment, or sale of any property or wages of any person unless such action is lawful and the debt collector or creditor intends to take such action.
(5) The threat to take any action that cannot legally be taken or that is not intended to be taken.

This notification to you is of applicable legal statutes, codes and laws. Other Federal and State laws may apply. Under the laws of California continued collection activities, including reporting of accounts beyond their legal collection date, may be considered extortion and/or fraud and subject to criminal as well as civil prosecution.

Please note that proof of your receipt of this notice may be used by me or my legal representative in further action. I will also forward a copy of this letter, and any other pertinent material to the Illinois Bar Association, the BBB, the FTC, the Delaware Attorney General, the Illinois Attorney General, and the California Attorney General.

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, February 08, 2004

POSTED: Sunday, February 08, 2004

Ok, if they are continuing to contact you by phone, more than likely your number is marked as a "Good" number. You may have the same name as another debtor, and when someone from Camco contacted you, they may have thought you were the person they were looking for and manually hit the "GOOD" button. Some things automatically mark a number for being good, such as if a collector leaves a message for the debtor with an actual person. This is a shame because no SSN is verified, thus it can be two people with the same name. Unfortunately, it is extremely doubtful that a debtor will research thenotes and try to get down to the bottom of you being the wrong person.

If you dont mind waiting until monday night, I can get you the street address to the HQ. You can also fax in the C&D as well. Dont let them know thats what you are trying to do. Next time the call you, say "Ok, let me resolve this issue right now. What is your fax number? Hold on, Im faxing you exactly what you need right now." You have to social engineer the same way in which they do. Think about it, when they call you, is the first thing that comes out of their mouth "Hey, you owe a bill?" Nope. Be just as slick as they are. Act like you are interested in getting it SETTLED [not paid]. Tell them you are sending a fax in while you are on the phone and actually send it. Then you know for a fact that they have it. Some collectors will try to give you wrong fax numbers or numbers to a different office so you cant send in the C&D in hopes that you wont bemotivated after being stuck in the loop of tracking down numbers. Not saying its right, but thats just how some people do it.

AUTHOR: Julie - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, February 07, 2004

POSTED: Saturday, February 07, 2004

Camco has been harassing us for over a year, saying we have debt from a city we've never lived or even passed through and purchased anything. They call us all the time, send letters etc...We have recently received a letter from Riddle & Associates, P.C. saying their client is CAMCO and they are trying to contact us about an important legal matter...just another scare tactic. We want this to stop would someone please pass on the physical street address where we need to mail this cease and desist letter as we just have only po boxes for both of these Scumbags. Thanks in advance.

We would also like you to post any information to sue these @#%*!! jerks. Please post a sample cease and desist letter..

AUTHOR: Julie - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, February 07, 2004

POSTED: Saturday, February 07, 2004

Camco has been harassing us for over a year, saying we have debt from a city we've never lived or even passed through and purchased anything. They call us all the time, send letters etc...We have recently received a letter from Riddle & Associates, P.C. saying their client is CAMCO and they are trying to contact us about an important legal matter...just another scare tactic. We want this to stop would someone please pass on the physical street address where we need to mail this cease and desist letter as we just have only po boxes for both of these Scumbags. Thanks in advance.

We would also like you to post any information to sue these @#%*!! jerks. Please post a sample cease and desist letter..

AUTHOR: Julie - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, February 07, 2004

POSTED: Saturday, February 07, 2004

Camco has been harassing us for over a year, saying we have debt from a city we've never lived or even passed through and purchased anything. They call us all the time, send letters etc...We have recently received a letter from Riddle & Associates, P.C. saying their client is CAMCO and they are trying to contact us about an important legal matter...just another scare tactic. We want this to stop would someone please pass on the physical street address where we need to mail this cease and desist letter as we just have only po boxes for both of these Scumbags. Thanks in advance.

We would also like you to post any information to sue these @#%*!! jerks. Please post a sample cease and desist letter..

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 03, 2004

POSTED: Tuesday, February 03, 2004

Yes, Camco is a collection agency. Like stated in my quote earlier, they [as in CAMCO] consider themselves as being an Acquisitions firm. Basically a play on words. You are 100% correct. The reason they use the word Acquisition instead of Collection is because its easier to keep someone on the phone when you say you are not a fly by night collection agency. Not saying I agree with this, thats the way that it is, and Im only here to inform people of the functions. Camco is bound by the same rules as any other collection agency. That is why they are governed by FDCPA guidelines.

Camco = Capital Acquisitions & Management COmpany

If you ask for a difference in the two, you will never get a consistant answer amongst different offices, thats why I cant post a rebuttal for people who run into problems with Camco. But yes, their goals and function are the same as any other collection agency.

AUTHOR: Tammy - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 03, 2004

POSTED: Tuesday, February 03, 2004

Now, this is the deal. Camco considers themself an Acquisition company, not a collection agency. They liquidate valid debts. THEY CAN NOT ATTEMPT TO CONTACT YOU IF THE DEBTS ARE NOT CONSIDERED VALID BY FEDERAL LAW! The problem is, everyone is so quick to hang up their phone instead of solve the issue. IF you are not the person they are trying to contact, then cooperate and they will erase your info. They're purpose is to collect money from people and the chances of collecting it from someone with the same name are slim to none, so they arent interested in wasting their time with you.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The above quote is from Terry the collection agent from CAMCO.

It is completely irrelevant what CAMCO considers itself to be. It is a collection agency. Please go to www.cardreport.com, see Credit Laws and look up FDCPA and the FTC site and look for the opinion staff letters on debt collecting.

Anyone who buys charged off debts whether to collect for another or for themselves are debt collectors and are collection agencies. This is the definition that the states use when requiring you guys to be licensed or bonded in their states if they require it. You are a collection agency.

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 03, 2004

POSTED: Tuesday, February 03, 2004

It seems some people are too ignorant to see the pole reaching for them when they are drowning. What would be the motive in me trying to lie to you people? Im asking questions, answer them instead of using big words to make small points [i.e. Sylvia]. I dont know any of you personally. I doubt that any of you are any of the accounts that I work. Please, explain the benefits in me trying to mislead you! Answer the question! Im not a Camco higher up! I am an average collector.

Let me explain something about Camco. I have worked at many establishments in my life. A vast majority do not obey the rules! None of them taught breaking the rules as common practice. Can any of you point out in any of the manuals that Camco equips collectors with where it says "Lie, threaten, and use scare tactics to collect". Have any of you even seen Camco paperwork besides Dunning Letters that you receive in th mail? Electronic retailers break laws in order for you to buy extended warranties. I know from working at some of the largest most and recognized stores in the US. Car dealerships break laws by scamming people into buying wrecked cars ALL the time without notifying you of the current status of the car. Credit repair agencies BREAK THE LAW ALL THE TIME! As mentioned before, every large company more than likely has a website with complaints on it. My whole purpose in posting is because I want people to be informed on their rights and that they have no legal obligation to pay the debts at hand, and they can clear it up with a Cease and Desist. Thats all you have to do! Im telling people how to get the harrasment to stop! What more do you want?

Just be smart people. You have people like Sylvia who enjoys sounding intelligent but obviously just likes using big words. Lets look at this comment:

"3) Is it physically painful to be so profoundly stupid and morally bereft?"

What was the point in this? Only reason I am acting in response to this comment is because I have one question. What does it prove? I am an educated person who has taken the time out to help people to the best of my ability through this site. You use statements like "never validate". Like I said, how many accounts have you worked besides your own? How many Camco debtors have you polled before you made that statement? Can you answer the question? Or will you go back to insulting me? Yea, more than likely you will go back to hurling insults like a child.

"If this Jayhawk account you mention has all this information, why doesn't sCAMCO provide the validation people request?"

Do you have a Jayhawk account? Post up your Camco account number since your so "brave" and I will send you all the validation you need. Like I said, you have never worked at Camco, you have never seen the paperwork, you can not speak for people with accounts you do not hold. When there is someone here with a Jayhawk account that can post that Camco was not able to send validation, you can gloat all that you want. But Camco has ALL JAYHAWK PAPERWORK CONCERNING THE DEBT. Of course Camco wouldnt send you Jayhawk paperwork if you dont have a Jayhawk account. What are you, retarded?

In perspective, I believe you may be a Camco employee. Very little of the information that you have posted has been useful to a person that Camco was seeking payment from. You havent bluntly said, "Camco will drop the issue if..."

But I have no problem saying it.

CAMCO WILL DROP THE ISSUE IF YOU SEND A CEASE AND DESIST LETTER

FIRST MAKE SURE YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF THAT STATUES OF LIMITATIONS. IT VARIES STATE TO STATE

FAX OR MAIL A CEASE AND DESIST LETTER. THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CONTACT YOU ONE LAST TIME AFTER THE LETTER IS RECEIVED, BUT IT IS UNLIKELY BECAUSE IF YOU TAKE IT THAT FAR FOR THEM TO STOP CALLING YOU,THE CHANCES OF THEM GETTING THE DEBT ARE ALREADY SLIM AND ONE LAST FINAL CONTACT WILL MORE THAN LIKELY NOT DO IT!

Maybe Camco doesnt give you validation for everybodys account, but guess what? Your a nobody! Your account is yours, if you resolved the issue, post on how you did it so that it can benefit others. Does everyone need all the extra fluff? Or do you really just need the attention...

"With over 300 complaints to this site an dover 400 complaints filed with the AG in IL, all these people can obviously speak for themselves. "

LOL, how many accounts do you think Camco works in a year? 1000? 10,000? 100,000? Each employee is expected to work 100 accounts a day. Lets use a small conservative number like there are only 100 employees in the company in all the locations combined. So thats 10,000 accounts a day, correct? Are you understanding the math? Now pull out your calculator on this one, lets say there are only 5 day work weeks [when it alternates between 6 a week], thats 50,000 accounts a week. Woah, not lets see how that compares into a 5 week month. 250,000 accounts in 1 month. So 700 complaints compared to 250,000 accounts worked in a month. BTW, 100 employees is a conservative number. Can you do the math on the ratio of complaints to accounts? Now remember, to be fair, take in consideration the age of ALL the complaints in respect to just 1 month of accounts that are worked.

Even with this said, what Camco is doing is not right. Despite what Scott says, I honestly cant say that I work in an environment where sexual harassment is excused, drugs are freely distributed, and money is laundered. I sit behind a desk and a computer screen in an office building. Crack is not manufactured in a backroom. I get benefits. I get a check. I punch in, dont harass people, and work in a honorable form. If someone else does something wrong, what can I do? The manager is supposed to check those actions, not me. I do my job in a fashion that I would feel comfortable doing it in front of the police. Thats it. That is all I can say.

What do you want me to do Steve? You want me to post my real name, address, phone number, camco login and password, and then get arrested and sued? Then will you accept me? Then will you cut me some slack? While Im in court or sitting in a cell, I could say to myself, "Hey, now that Steve guy really knows my only intentions on being on this ripoffreport.com is to help people!" You are nobody to me, and are extremely ignorant to compare the people fighting in Iraq to working at Camco.

Take it hwo you want. Just do what I say and Camco will leave you alone. Isnt that the main point of this thread, to get them to stop? Or to try to pick on me for working at Camco?

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 03, 2004

POSTED: Tuesday, February 03, 2004

It seems some people are too ignorant to see the pole reaching for them when they are drowning. What would be the motive in me trying to lie to you people? Im asking questions, answer them instead of using big words to make small points [i.e. Sylvia]. I dont know any of you personally. I doubt that any of you are any of the accounts that I work. Please, explain the benefits in me trying to mislead you! Answer the question! Im not a Camco higher up! I am an average collector.

Let me explain something about Camco. I have worked at many establishments in my life. A vast majority do not obey the rules! None of them taught breaking the rules as common practice. Can any of you point out in any of the manuals that Camco equips collectors with where it says "Lie, threaten, and use scare tactics to collect". Have any of you even seen Camco paperwork besides Dunning Letters that you receive in th mail? Electronic retailers break laws in order for you to buy extended warranties. I know from working at some of the largest most and recognized stores in the US. Car dealerships break laws by scamming people into buying wrecked cars ALL the time without notifying you of the current status of the car. Credit repair agencies BREAK THE LAW ALL THE TIME! As mentioned before, every large company more than likely has a website with complaints on it. My whole purpose in posting is because I want people to be informed on their rights and that they have no legal obligation to pay the debts at hand, and they can clear it up with a Cease and Desist. Thats all you have to do! Im telling people how to get the harrasment to stop! What more do you want?

Just be smart people. You have people like Sylvia who enjoys sounding intelligent but obviously just likes using big words. Lets look at this comment:

"3) Is it physically painful to be so profoundly stupid and morally bereft?"

What was the point in this? Only reason I am acting in response to this comment is because I have one question. What does it prove? I am an educated person who has taken the time out to help people to the best of my ability through this site. You use statements like "never validate". Like I said, how many accounts have you worked besides your own? How many Camco debtors have you polled before you made that statement? Can you answer the question? Or will you go back to insulting me? Yea, more than likely you will go back to hurling insults like a child.

"If this Jayhawk account you mention has all this information, why doesn't sCAMCO provide the validation people request?"

Do you have a Jayhawk account? Post up your Camco account number since your so "brave" and I will send you all the validation you need. Like I said, you have never worked at Camco, you have never seen the paperwork, you can not speak for people with accounts you do not hold. When there is someone here with a Jayhawk account that can post that Camco was not able to send validation, you can gloat all that you want. But Camco has ALL JAYHAWK PAPERWORK CONCERNING THE DEBT. Of course Camco wouldnt send you Jayhawk paperwork if you dont have a Jayhawk account. What are you, retarded?

In perspective, I believe you may be a Camco employee. Very little of the information that you have posted has been useful to a person that Camco was seeking payment from. You havent bluntly said, "Camco will drop the issue if..."

But I have no problem saying it.

CAMCO WILL DROP THE ISSUE IF YOU SEND A CEASE AND DESIST LETTER

FIRST MAKE SURE YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF THAT STATUES OF LIMITATIONS. IT VARIES STATE TO STATE

FAX OR MAIL A CEASE AND DESIST LETTER. THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CONTACT YOU ONE LAST TIME AFTER THE LETTER IS RECEIVED, BUT IT IS UNLIKELY BECAUSE IF YOU TAKE IT THAT FAR FOR THEM TO STOP CALLING YOU,THE CHANCES OF THEM GETTING THE DEBT ARE ALREADY SLIM AND ONE LAST FINAL CONTACT WILL MORE THAN LIKELY NOT DO IT!

Maybe Camco doesnt give you validation for everybodys account, but guess what? Your a nobody! Your account is yours, if you resolved the issue, post on how you did it so that it can benefit others. Does everyone need all the extra fluff? Or do you really just need the attention...

"With over 300 complaints to this site an dover 400 complaints filed with the AG in IL, all these people can obviously speak for themselves. "

LOL, how many accounts do you think Camco works in a year? 1000? 10,000? 100,000? Each employee is expected to work 100 accounts a day. Lets use a small conservative number like there are only 100 employees in the company in all the locations combined. So thats 10,000 accounts a day, correct? Are you understanding the math? Now pull out your calculator on this one, lets say there are only 5 day work weeks [when it alternates between 6 a week], thats 50,000 accounts a week. Woah, not lets see how that compares into a 5 week month. 250,000 accounts in 1 month. So 700 complaints compared to 250,000 accounts worked in a month. BTW, 100 employees is a conservative number. Can you do the math on the ratio of complaints to accounts? Now remember, to be fair, take in consideration the age of ALL the complaints in respect to just 1 month of accounts that are worked.

Even with this said, what Camco is doing is not right. Despite what Scott says, I honestly cant say that I work in an environment where sexual harassment is excused, drugs are freely distributed, and money is laundered. I sit behind a desk and a computer screen in an office building. Crack is not manufactured in a backroom. I get benefits. I get a check. I punch in, dont harass people, and work in a honorable form. If someone else does something wrong, what can I do? The manager is supposed to check those actions, not me. I do my job in a fashion that I would feel comfortable doing it in front of the police. Thats it. That is all I can say.

What do you want me to do Steve? You want me to post my real name, address, phone number, camco login and password, and then get arrested and sued? Then will you accept me? Then will you cut me some slack? While Im in court or sitting in a cell, I could say to myself, "Hey, now that Steve guy really knows my only intentions on being on this ripoffreport.com is to help people!" You are nobody to me, and are extremely ignorant to compare the people fighting in Iraq to working at Camco.

Take it hwo you want. Just do what I say and Camco will leave you alone. Isnt that the main point of this thread, to get them to stop? Or to try to pick on me for working at Camco?

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 03, 2004

POSTED: Tuesday, February 03, 2004

It seems some people are too ignorant to see the pole reaching for them when they are drowning. What would be the motive in me trying to lie to you people? Im asking questions, answer them instead of using big words to make small points [i.e. Sylvia]. I dont know any of you personally. I doubt that any of you are any of the accounts that I work. Please, explain the benefits in me trying to mislead you! Answer the question! Im not a Camco higher up! I am an average collector.

Let me explain something about Camco. I have worked at many establishments in my life. A vast majority do not obey the rules! None of them taught breaking the rules as common practice. Can any of you point out in any of the manuals that Camco equips collectors with where it says "Lie, threaten, and use scare tactics to collect". Have any of you even seen Camco paperwork besides Dunning Letters that you receive in th mail? Electronic retailers break laws in order for you to buy extended warranties. I know from working at some of the largest most and recognized stores in the US. Car dealerships break laws by scamming people into buying wrecked cars ALL the time without notifying you of the current status of the car. Credit repair agencies BREAK THE LAW ALL THE TIME! As mentioned before, every large company more than likely has a website with complaints on it. My whole purpose in posting is because I want people to be informed on their rights and that they have no legal obligation to pay the debts at hand, and they can clear it up with a Cease and Desist. Thats all you have to do! Im telling people how to get the harrasment to stop! What more do you want?

Just be smart people. You have people like Sylvia who enjoys sounding intelligent but obviously just likes using big words. Lets look at this comment:

"3) Is it physically painful to be so profoundly stupid and morally bereft?"

What was the point in this? Only reason I am acting in response to this comment is because I have one question. What does it prove? I am an educated person who has taken the time out to help people to the best of my ability through this site. You use statements like "never validate". Like I said, how many accounts have you worked besides your own? How many Camco debtors have you polled before you made that statement? Can you answer the question? Or will you go back to insulting me? Yea, more than likely you will go back to hurling insults like a child.

"If this Jayhawk account you mention has all this information, why doesn't sCAMCO provide the validation people request?"

Do you have a Jayhawk account? Post up your Camco account number since your so "brave" and I will send you all the validation you need. Like I said, you have never worked at Camco, you have never seen the paperwork, you can not speak for people with accounts you do not hold. When there is someone here with a Jayhawk account that can post that Camco was not able to send validation, you can gloat all that you want. But Camco has ALL JAYHAWK PAPERWORK CONCERNING THE DEBT. Of course Camco wouldnt send you Jayhawk paperwork if you dont have a Jayhawk account. What are you, retarded?

In perspective, I believe you may be a Camco employee. Very little of the information that you have posted has been useful to a person that Camco was seeking payment from. You havent bluntly said, "Camco will drop the issue if..."

But I have no problem saying it.

CAMCO WILL DROP THE ISSUE IF YOU SEND A CEASE AND DESIST LETTER

FIRST MAKE SURE YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF THAT STATUES OF LIMITATIONS. IT VARIES STATE TO STATE

FAX OR MAIL A CEASE AND DESIST LETTER. THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CONTACT YOU ONE LAST TIME AFTER THE LETTER IS RECEIVED, BUT IT IS UNLIKELY BECAUSE IF YOU TAKE IT THAT FAR FOR THEM TO STOP CALLING YOU,THE CHANCES OF THEM GETTING THE DEBT ARE ALREADY SLIM AND ONE LAST FINAL CONTACT WILL MORE THAN LIKELY NOT DO IT!

Maybe Camco doesnt give you validation for everybodys account, but guess what? Your a nobody! Your account is yours, if you resolved the issue, post on how you did it so that it can benefit others. Does everyone need all the extra fluff? Or do you really just need the attention...

"With over 300 complaints to this site an dover 400 complaints filed with the AG in IL, all these people can obviously speak for themselves. "

LOL, how many accounts do you think Camco works in a year? 1000? 10,000? 100,000? Each employee is expected to work 100 accounts a day. Lets use a small conservative number like there are only 100 employees in the company in all the locations combined. So thats 10,000 accounts a day, correct? Are you understanding the math? Now pull out your calculator on this one, lets say there are only 5 day work weeks [when it alternates between 6 a week], thats 50,000 accounts a week. Woah, not lets see how that compares into a 5 week month. 250,000 accounts in 1 month. So 700 complaints compared to 250,000 accounts worked in a month. BTW, 100 employees is a conservative number. Can you do the math on the ratio of complaints to accounts? Now remember, to be fair, take in consideration the age of ALL the complaints in respect to just 1 month of accounts that are worked.

Even with this said, what Camco is doing is not right. Despite what Scott says, I honestly cant say that I work in an environment where sexual harassment is excused, drugs are freely distributed, and money is laundered. I sit behind a desk and a computer screen in an office building. Crack is not manufactured in a backroom. I get benefits. I get a check. I punch in, dont harass people, and work in a honorable form. If someone else does something wrong, what can I do? The manager is supposed to check those actions, not me. I do my job in a fashion that I would feel comfortable doing it in front of the police. Thats it. That is all I can say.

What do you want me to do Steve? You want me to post my real name, address, phone number, camco login and password, and then get arrested and sued? Then will you accept me? Then will you cut me some slack? While Im in court or sitting in a cell, I could say to myself, "Hey, now that Steve guy really knows my only intentions on being on this ripoffreport.com is to help people!" You are nobody to me, and are extremely ignorant to compare the people fighting in Iraq to working at Camco.

Take it hwo you want. Just do what I say and Camco will leave you alone. Isnt that the main point of this thread, to get them to stop? Or to try to pick on me for working at Camco?

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 03, 2004

POSTED: Tuesday, February 03, 2004

It seems some people are too ignorant to see the pole reaching for them when they are drowning. What would be the motive in me trying to lie to you people? Im asking questions, answer them instead of using big words to make small points [i.e. Sylvia]. I dont know any of you personally. I doubt that any of you are any of the accounts that I work. Please, explain the benefits in me trying to mislead you! Answer the question! Im not a Camco higher up! I am an average collector.

Let me explain something about Camco. I have worked at many establishments in my life. A vast majority do not obey the rules! None of them taught breaking the rules as common practice. Can any of you point out in any of the manuals that Camco equips collectors with where it says "Lie, threaten, and use scare tactics to collect". Have any of you even seen Camco paperwork besides Dunning Letters that you receive in th mail? Electronic retailers break laws in order for you to buy extended warranties. I know from working at some of the largest most and recognized stores in the US. Car dealerships break laws by scamming people into buying wrecked cars ALL the time without notifying you of the current status of the car. Credit repair agencies BREAK THE LAW ALL THE TIME! As mentioned before, every large company more than likely has a website with complaints on it. My whole purpose in posting is because I want people to be informed on their rights and that they have no legal obligation to pay the debts at hand, and they can clear it up with a Cease and Desist. Thats all you have to do! Im telling people how to get the harrasment to stop! What more do you want?

Just be smart people. You have people like Sylvia who enjoys sounding intelligent but obviously just likes using big words. Lets look at this comment:

"3) Is it physically painful to be so profoundly stupid and morally bereft?"

What was the point in this? Only reason I am acting in response to this comment is because I have one question. What does it prove? I am an educated person who has taken the time out to help people to the best of my ability through this site. You use statements like "never validate". Like I said, how many accounts have you worked besides your own? How many Camco debtors have you polled before you made that statement? Can you answer the question? Or will you go back to insulting me? Yea, more than likely you will go back to hurling insults like a child.

"If this Jayhawk account you mention has all this information, why doesn't sCAMCO provide the validation people request?"

Do you have a Jayhawk account? Post up your Camco account number since your so "brave" and I will send you all the validation you need. Like I said, you have never worked at Camco, you have never seen the paperwork, you can not speak for people with accounts you do not hold. When there is someone here with a Jayhawk account that can post that Camco was not able to send validation, you can gloat all that you want. But Camco has ALL JAYHAWK PAPERWORK CONCERNING THE DEBT. Of course Camco wouldnt send you Jayhawk paperwork if you dont have a Jayhawk account. What are you, retarded?

In perspective, I believe you may be a Camco employee. Very little of the information that you have posted has been useful to a person that Camco was seeking payment from. You havent bluntly said, "Camco will drop the issue if..."

But I have no problem saying it.

CAMCO WILL DROP THE ISSUE IF YOU SEND A CEASE AND DESIST LETTER

FIRST MAKE SURE YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF THAT STATUES OF LIMITATIONS. IT VARIES STATE TO STATE

FAX OR MAIL A CEASE AND DESIST LETTER. THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CONTACT YOU ONE LAST TIME AFTER THE LETTER IS RECEIVED, BUT IT IS UNLIKELY BECAUSE IF YOU TAKE IT THAT FAR FOR THEM TO STOP CALLING YOU,THE CHANCES OF THEM GETTING THE DEBT ARE ALREADY SLIM AND ONE LAST FINAL CONTACT WILL MORE THAN LIKELY NOT DO IT!

Maybe Camco doesnt give you validation for everybodys account, but guess what? Your a nobody! Your account is yours, if you resolved the issue, post on how you did it so that it can benefit others. Does everyone need all the extra fluff? Or do you really just need the attention...

"With over 300 complaints to this site an dover 400 complaints filed with the AG in IL, all these people can obviously speak for themselves. "

LOL, how many accounts do you think Camco works in a year? 1000? 10,000? 100,000? Each employee is expected to work 100 accounts a day. Lets use a small conservative number like there are only 100 employees in the company in all the locations combined. So thats 10,000 accounts a day, correct? Are you understanding the math? Now pull out your calculator on this one, lets say there are only 5 day work weeks [when it alternates between 6 a week], thats 50,000 accounts a week. Woah, not lets see how that compares into a 5 week month. 250,000 accounts in 1 month. So 700 complaints compared to 250,000 accounts worked in a month. BTW, 100 employees is a conservative number. Can you do the math on the ratio of complaints to accounts? Now remember, to be fair, take in consideration the age of ALL the complaints in respect to just 1 month of accounts that are worked.

Even with this said, what Camco is doing is not right. Despite what Scott says, I honestly cant say that I work in an environment where sexual harassment is excused, drugs are freely distributed, and money is laundered. I sit behind a desk and a computer screen in an office building. Crack is not manufactured in a backroom. I get benefits. I get a check. I punch in, dont harass people, and work in a honorable form. If someone else does something wrong, what can I do? The manager is supposed to check those actions, not me. I do my job in a fashion that I would feel comfortable doing it in front of the police. Thats it. That is all I can say.

What do you want me to do Steve? You want me to post my real name, address, phone number, camco login and password, and then get arrested and sued? Then will you accept me? Then will you cut me some slack? While Im in court or sitting in a cell, I could say to myself, "Hey, now that Steve guy really knows my only intentions on being on this ripoffreport.com is to help people!" You are nobody to me, and are extremely ignorant to compare the people fighting in Iraq to working at Camco.

Take it hwo you want. Just do what I say and Camco will leave you alone. Isnt that the main point of this thread, to get them to stop? Or to try to pick on me for working at Camco?

AUTHOR: Robert - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, February 02, 2004

POSTED: Monday, February 02, 2004

Sometime in July of last year I was contacted by a 'Mark Brown' who informed me that I owed Bank of America a sum of money, and that his company acquired the debt. It was his intention to get me to pay this 'debt'. I'll admit that my credit is not all that great, but I do make it a point to pay my debts. After a week or so I received a letter (invoice) from CAMCO to my home, but addressed to someone who was not a resident. I made a note of this and sent CAMCO the following:

Mr. Mark Brown,

First, allow me to apologize for the harsh and hasty reaction on my part.

Now, pursuant to the attached letter, I am:
1- disputing the validity of the debt;
2- requesting proof of any such debt owed, including original account number, date opened/ closed/ charged off, type of account; and
3- requesting the name & address of the original, and any subsequent creditor(s).

Further, you were instructed not to contact me regarding any debt of any kind, as contact in any form or medium would result in legal action.

In case you do not know, MY name is Robert E. Willis. The name on the attached letter is not my legal name, nor is it an assumed name, or an alias. The individual named on the letter does not live at the address stated on the letter, nor has he ever.

Regarding your attempt to collect a debt owed, I have contacted the FBI, FTC, PA Attorney General's office, the IL Attorney General's office, and the consumer reporter of one of my local news stations. I have also contacted the Bank of America to verify that I have never opened an account with them.

I know, for a fact, that I have never owed the Bank of America any amount whatsoever. So, your company has a choice to make. You can continue in your misguided attempt to seek money from me based on incorrect information, or you can (should) cease and desist from any further collection efforts. This is and will be my last communication to your company.

Thank you.
+++++++++++THE END++++++++

I have not heard from CAMCO after sending this letter. I have heard from the AG's from PA & IL, and all is well.

I do not bother to involve myself with yelling, name- calling, or insulting folks. I do understand that jobs are scarce and all of us have obligations of some kind, but working for CAMCO must have a great deal of stress attached to it. I did not need to call a lawyer, because I did not owe Bank of America anything. CAMCO made the mistake of not verifying the accuracy of their records, and tried to get money from the wrong debtor.

By thw way, here is the letter sent to the AG's of Pa & IL:
PART A

On Friday, July 25th, a Mark Brown' contacted my wife at home in an attempt to get me to pay a debt. My wife then called my to relate what was said. I then called Mr. Brown to ascertain what he called for, and he informed me that he was calling to collect a charged off debt owed to Bank of America in the amount of $2015.78. I told him that I knew of no such debt owed, and refused to pay anything. He insisted that I make payment arrangements, and finally told me that collection efforts would be undertaken involuntarily.

I lost my wallet last August, and have several copies of my credit reports, none of which make mention of any amounts owed to, or charged off by, Bank of America.

PART B

1- bar CAMCO their employees, officers, agents, or assigns from ever filing for Bankruptcy;
2- make them repay any monies collected wrongly;
3- bar CAMCO from doing business for or with any entity or individual outside the state of Illinois;
4- bar any of their employees, officers, agents, or assigns from ever financing, opening, starting, serving on the board of directors of, or even being employed by a collection, debt recovery, financial agency;
5- make them pay ME 10 times the amount they wrongly claim I owe;
6- make them send letters of apology to anyone they have wrongly taken money from, or attempted to take money from;
7- revoke any licenses they have to do business;
8- make they cease and desist from any further collection or debt recovery activities for a period no less than 50 years.

AUTHOR: Scott - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, February 01, 2004

POSTED: Sunday, February 01, 2004

So you say camco does not train its employees to break the law? They just look the other way? Horsecrap. I know for a fact they teach the collectors to break the law. I have known a former manager for about a year now and the stories are horrendous. I know about the sexual harrassment, the drugs, the lies, and even the harrassment of its own employees. I remember one collector telling me how she was at the dentist and one of camcos managers called and cursed her out for not being there to make him money. She quit after that. I love how they always talk about morals but they have none themselves. Whether you break the law or not you work for a law breaking company and that means you have no morals yourselves. For the ones like (maybe) Terry it has to be a tough decision deciding between feeding your child and working for a criminal organization. I would also choose my child. However, coming here talking about moral values just makes me laugh. You chose your family over what is right. Nothing wrong with that. Just stop pretending you are doing good when you are not.

AUTHOR: Sylvia - (U.S.A.)

Again, "Terry," the problem is that sCAMCO cannot, repeat CANNOT, prove that the debt they are trying to collect is real, valid, legal, legitimate.

If this Jayhawk account you mention has all this information, why doesn't sCAMCO provide the validation people request? And, at no time have I claimed to be speaking for everyone.

With over 300 complaints to this site an dover 400 complaints filed with the AG in IL, all these people can obviously speak for themselves. I also don't feel that I'm narrow-minded because I don't work for a crooked outfit like sCAMCO. I have three questions for you, Terry.

1)Why doesn't sCAMCO identify themselves as a collection agency at the begining of their phone calls or in their letters as required by law?

2)If the debts you're trying to collect are legitimate, why don't you prove it? 3) Is it physically painful to be so profoundly stupid and morally bereft?

AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 31, 2004

POSTED: Saturday, January 31, 2004

I think I have now heard it all. here we have the maggot blood sucking leech "terry" tell how if his scumco company says you owe money by god you better pay it, as an issue of how moral you are. Then he (or she, who knows?) ha the unmitigated audacity to say he (or she) is a FREEDOM FIGHTER?
HOW DARE YOU CALL YOURSELF THAT? A freedom fighter is someone who fights or puts their LIFE at risk or their cause. e.g. see Afghanistan,Iraq, etc.,etc. You arent s**t. You are a scum-sucking leech employed by a company who's only goal is to prey on the uninformed. And as far as using "MORALITY" as an excuse to try to justify your guilt, how moral is it to expose information that you yourself admitted you signed a contract not to disclose? Before you try to justify your higher calling in life, look in the mirror and see if your "halo" is on straight, or if your horns have knocked it off center.

AUTHOR: Teach - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 31, 2004

POSTED: Saturday, January 31, 2004

After reading the above correspondence and complaints, I just couldn't stay quiet. Today I had my first contact with this disgusting company. They claim my husband owed money on an account from 1986, with CitiBank. Since I didn't know my husband in 86', I listened very carefully to the employees at Camco. They really shook me up. Well-trained at the scare tactics, they almost had me. My husband wasn't home to question, so I had to do some leg work. Thankfully, I called CitiBank and gave them the account number CAMCO gave to me regarding my husband's alleged debt. To my surprise, Citibank told me that account expired in 1931. I know I married an amazing man, but how could I have known he could charge up a card long before he was ever born!!!!

"Terry", while it is a noble attempt to become a change agent from within, I feel your services would be much more useful at a company who practices within a reasonable realm. Some of the statements made in previous rebuttals indicate strong judgement by you against people who may have made some piss-poor financial calls much earlier in their lives. Even if my husband had charged the 500 + dollars CAMCO claims, he would have served seven years of terrible credit for it. What I don't understand is how a company can collect on money that has already been written off? Even if people default on a credit loan, once they serve their "seven-year sentence", the debt cannot just suddenly pop-up again. In Texas, at least, the same debt cannot come back to haunt you a second time.

My question for you is, what happens now? Will my family be harrassed endlessly over this ridiculous claim? What would you suggest I do next?

AUTHOR: Sylvia - (U.S.A.)

Florida Florida, you don't even have the courage to come up with a semi-believable name. Here it is, once again, briefly and to the point :

sCAMCO CANNOT PROVE THE DEBTS ARE VALID. No one should pay just because someone else says to do so.

Or "has this went on too long" for your attention span? As long as pond scum sCAMCO employees, past and present, continue to foul the air with their lies, this will continue. If you feel it "has went on too long," stop polluting this site with your feeble attempts to justify fraudulent activity.

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 31, 2004

POSTED: Saturday, January 31, 2004

First off, I dont see the point on raggin on me when it is obvious that my intentions are to help you people out! I am putting more at risk then a majority of the people posting. How many of you can say that you have signed a confidentiality agreement and that you are putting your financial well being at risk by even participating on this site? The comment was made :
"If it bothers you to rip off elderly people who are living on a fixed income, then why are you doing it?"

I am not doing it! There are things called no collect states and there are classifications for files that are deemed uncollectable. Every person who I deeply feel in my heart are not obligated to the debt gets an address in my computer for a non collect state or classified as noncollectable. None of you are standing over my shoulder when I work! The best change I can make is within the system. I can leak lots of information about Camco that would be extremely beneficial to the users of this forum, but I realized that certain information is being released to certain offices to see exactly what will make the internet, so that the offices with "snitches" are exposed. This site is working. People are becoming aware. No matter what your personal battles are with me, I continue to post, and make people aware and capable of protecting themself.

Let me say this again. Camco is not in the business of ripping people off, they are in the business of buy debts for pennies, and expecting people to settle out for dollars, plain and simple. I am not paid in narcotics, there is no Camco manual that states that I am authorized to terrorize people on the internet. If I had a totally anonymous way to send it, Id be more then happy to give numerous paperwork to the proper people it needs to reach the hands of. Camco, as a company, does not advocate the disreguard of FDCPA guidelines. it is the responsibility of the Manager to ensure that the employees are acting appropriately, but most simply look the other way because they feel being legit doesnt bring in the money. Im not saying it is right, but that is the way it is.

About the Cease and Desist. What would be the point in sending a validation of debt for the last piece of communication? More than likely, they would still not pay. I am aware that 1 final communication can be made. But what would a validation of debt do? Say it reaches a person who knows for a fact they owe the money in the first place. Are they going to say, "Hey, Ive got them to stop calling me forever. Ill never be bothered about it again. Let me go ahead and pay this now!" It would be waisted time and paperwork. If you know someone that understanding, please let me know.

Sylvia, you've never answered my question, yet youve made several post to try to insult me. Would you pay a debt that you knew that you owed, but legally were not obligated to? Why dont you make a rebuttal to that instead of anything else I say.

I will be honest, I have a problem with you Sylvia. You are so close minded. How many Camco accounts have you worked? In one day, how many people do you call and admit that they owe the money, but simply say its old and arent going to pay it. How many people in a day do you call and they say that they owed the money, simply thought that it would be forgotten about, and now they wish to pay? See, you are underqualified to speak for everyone. You say we never validate debts. Like stated before, anyone with a Jayhawk account can get full file folders with payment history, contract, etc. If you can answer any of these questions in this paragraph, and you have an answer more then the 100 accounts I am forced to call everyday, then I have no problem apologizing to you. But give me a number of people that you call and have given you a conclusion that not 1 single debt is valid. Until then, keep assuming, because we know what that makes us...

And of course Terry isnt my real name. Like I said, I am taking a risk more than anyone but 3 people on this site. Are you going to support my family for me being a "Freedom Fighter"? Yea, I think not. Joane, are you going to pay my mortgage, insurance, electricity, and buy my groceries? When I stand before god on this issue, he will see the people that I worked with who were accused wrongly, the people who I put my job [and family as well] on the line in order to help. Dont assume that everyone at the company acts in the fashion of your negative experience. Joanne, you mentioned you had a legitimate debt that was paid off. If I had you account, I would ask you if you had any information releasing you of the debt, if you did not, I would give you the name of the collector and orginal account number so we can get it cleared up. Anyone who knows me in the office would agree with me because Im not the type of perosn to make someone pay something twice and possibly take food from their kids mouth, miss a birthday gift, etc.

AUTHOR: Joanne - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 30, 2004

POSTED: Friday, January 30, 2004

I'm sorry Terry and Dan, but I don't agree with what you said about the debt being legitimate. I never had an outstanding account with Union Bank. Yes I had two outstanding accounts that were written off as bad debt, but I did pay them off several years later. I did the right thing. With all the postings written on this site, all these people can't be lying. What sCamco is doing is WRONG! What you are doing by working for them is WRONG! If it's such a bad place, then why are you still there? If it bothers you to rip off elderly people who are living on a fixed income, then why are you doing it? I guess the only consellation for those of us being scammed by sCAMCO is that one day, each and every one of sCAMCO's employees will be standing before God and having to answer for what they did here on earth. If you have any morals or decency, get out of the job now and do the right thing. Help them be brought down.

AUTHOR: Joanne - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 30, 2004

POSTED: Friday, January 30, 2004

I'm sorry Terry and Dan, but I don't agree with what you said about the debt being legitimate. I never had an outstanding account with Union Bank. Yes I had two outstanding accounts that were written off as bad debt, but I did pay them off several years later. I did the right thing. With all the postings written on this site, all these people can't be lying. What sCamco is doing is WRONG! What you are doing by working for them is WRONG! If it's such a bad place, then why are you still there? If it bothers you to rip off elderly people who are living on a fixed income, then why are you doing it? I guess the only consellation for those of us being scammed by sCAMCO is that one day, each and every one of sCAMCO's employees will be standing before God and having to answer for what they did here on earth. If you have any morals or decency, get out of the job now and do the right thing. Help them be brought down.

AUTHOR: Joanne - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 30, 2004

POSTED: Friday, January 30, 2004

I'm sorry Terry and Dan, but I don't agree with what you said about the debt being legitimate. I never had an outstanding account with Union Bank. Yes I had two outstanding accounts that were written off as bad debt, but I did pay them off several years later. I did the right thing. With all the postings written on this site, all these people can't be lying. What sCamco is doing is WRONG! What you are doing by working for them is WRONG! If it's such a bad place, then why are you still there? If it bothers you to rip off elderly people who are living on a fixed income, then why are you doing it? I guess the only consellation for those of us being scammed by sCAMCO is that one day, each and every one of sCAMCO's employees will be standing before God and having to answer for what they did here on earth. If you have any morals or decency, get out of the job now and do the right thing. Help them be brought down.

AUTHOR: Joanne - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 30, 2004

POSTED: Friday, January 30, 2004

I'm sorry Terry and Dan, but I don't agree with what you said about the debt being legitimate. I never had an outstanding account with Union Bank. Yes I had two outstanding accounts that were written off as bad debt, but I did pay them off several years later. I did the right thing. With all the postings written on this site, all these people can't be lying. What sCamco is doing is WRONG! What you are doing by working for them is WRONG! If it's such a bad place, then why are you still there? If it bothers you to rip off elderly people who are living on a fixed income, then why are you doing it? I guess the only consellation for those of us being scammed by sCAMCO is that one day, each and every one of sCAMCO's employees will be standing before God and having to answer for what they did here on earth. If you have any morals or decency, get out of the job now and do the right thing. Help them be brought down.

AUTHOR: Sylvia - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 30, 2004

POSTED: Friday, January 30, 2004

First of all, "Terry" is probably a pseudonym. Second, this character is promulgating lies and deceit. As stated before, sCAMCO is unable to prove the debts are real, valid, legitimate or anything approaching same. These foul imitations of humanity call people liars, deadbeats, etc. when they have absolutely NO PROOF of anything, including the existence of a debt. No one at sCAMCO has ever or will ever help anyone. They use vile, immoral and illegal tactics daily and always back down when challenged. "Terry," like so many other sCAMCO employees who vomit linguistic dung in self-justification, is scamming you and everyone else here.

AUTHOR: TIM - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 30, 2004

POSTED: Friday, January 30, 2004

Terry,

If you had paid attention when you were trained, you would know that when a debtor sends a Cease Communications letter to a collector, the collector is allowed one final communication with them to let them know the request has been recieved, and what, if anything, the collector intends to do. No wonder you guys are in so much trouble. You don't even know the laws that govern your industry, of if you do, you don't follow them.

AUTHOR: Collector - (U.S.A.)

I'd like to take the time to set the record straight. I'm not here to engage in the back and forth arguments that have went on entirely too long. I am employed by Camco.

Camco buys pools of debt. Camco collects on debt. Camco cannot sue. Camco cannot put an account back on your credit. Sometimes, there are accounts that were SOLD to Camco that were previously resolved, i.e-bankruptcy, settlements w/ prior agencies. Those accounts are non-collectable and should be closed out. Camco can pull your credit report for location purporses. There will be an inquiry from an acquisition company. Camco owns the right to collect. Many times Camco does not have documents to support their collection activity. Which is also typical of many agencies. If each collection agency had documentation, statements, signatures, there would be warehouses upon warehouses with paperwork.

In my experience with Camco, I've witnessed collectors who have violated company policy. I've also seen that happen at other agencies that I've been employed with.

I can only speak for myself when I say that I don't violate the FDCPA. I adhere to the rules and regulations that govern collections.

For some reason, people feel that because a bill is past the statue of limitations, they don't have to pay. Basically it boils down their morals. Legally, they don't have to pay. Camco is not the only acquisition firm out there. Don't pay the bill, it will get sold to another agency. Debt is timeless. It does not go away until it is resolved. Just because you didn't get garnished or sued, does not mean that you got away with it.

And I'd like to also point out, that you could enter any company's name in this website search and find numerous complaints. Try Microsoft or Gateway or even Burger King.

I think some of you have a little too much time on your hands. Maybe got a little bent out of shape in regards to how the collector talked to you. Maybe had bad credit at one point and have now reclaimed your life. Who knows.

I just find this all ridiculous.

I am not a criminal. I am not unintelligent. I wish I could "sue" for slander.

AUTHOR: Ruth - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, January 29, 2004

POSTED: Thursday, January 29, 2004

I don't understand why you are verbally attacking Terry. He was trying to do us a favor by explaining how CAMCO operates. I for one appreciate his honesty and admire his courage in coming forward. I'm sure when he was hired by CAMCO, he was led to believe it was a legitimate business. In these tough economic times, I understand why he can't walk away from the job that is paying his bills until he finds another job, even though he does not agree with the company's business practices. I am taking his advice and the advice of others here, and have written a Cease and Desist letter, contacted the MN Attorney General's office, a local TV station and the Consumer Action division of the US General Services Administration (at www.firstgov.gov). I want to see this company exposed and prosecuted for what they are doing to innocent people. Please don't blame Terry. Give the guy a break. He's in a difficult situation right now, but can't you see that he's on our side?!

AUTHOR: Scott - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 28, 2004

POSTED: Wednesday, January 28, 2004

I made that report about the office in jamaica the day you stated there was no office. IT just took them a few days to put the report and by then you came on and admitted there was an office. I know what the Rico statutes state. I also know what your company and your officers are going to be sued for- both civil and criminal. there is not a single person out there that knows more about your company except your high up crap officers and that includes you.

AUTHOR: Sylvia - (U.S.A.)

Terry, Your ignorance is showing, ..First of all, Scott knows more in his sleep than you will ever know. You are unwise to scoff at him.

Second, if you would read the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, among other things, you would know I do NOT have to prove anything to you. You have absolutely no way of proving that a debt is owed. Just because someone calls and says, you owe me money, pay up, that proves nothing. According to federal law, I have the right to dispute your claim and request validation of the debt. If you had ever read a Cease and Desist letter and had any clue as to what it is, you would know that you are allowed to contact the writer ONCE to let them know what you are going to do in response to the letter, especially if it includes a request for validation. If you have nothing with my signature on it clearly entering into a contract for something, be it a vehicle or a credit card, you have NOTHING and you will get nothing.
You are trying to defend the indefensible.
Why is it that sCAMCO/SCUMCO employees keep posting rebuttals that are the same time and again and, time and again, you get verbally pushed back into your grungy little spider hole? Do you people not get a clue? Have you no intelligence at all? Or does your boss make you do this? If you were honest and helpful and all that, you would not be working for a fraudulent company. Don't tell me about your computer degree because I don't believe it exists. If it did, you wouldn't be spewing lies to make a living.

AUTHOR: Linda - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 28, 2004

POSTED: Wednesday, January 28, 2004

I became a victim of CAMCO yesterday when I received a letter in the mail saying I owed a dept of over $10,000. I have NEVER EVER left an account unpaid of any type-loan,credit card, etc.. I have no outstanding past debts and have an excellent credit rating and always have.

When I called about this the lady called out a social security number which was not mine. She also told me a man's name and asked if I knew him-I do not. She said since this was not my social security number, not to worry. It is difficult not to worry when this letter came to my address in my name. Does this mean they have made up this account or does it mean that someone has used my name or identity? Any thoughts?

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 27, 2004

POSTED: Tuesday, January 27, 2004

Scott, its hard for me to take you as being an intelligent person where I clearly state in my last post "I was wrong, they do have an office in Jamaica.", yet that is the main focus of your rebuttal. I never paid attention to the Montego Bay office because they usually dont do anything ntoeworthy. But yes, I will say it again, there is an office in Jamaica! What more do you want from me, a hit list of managers?

I swear, why does everyone think there is some sort of conspiracy theory here? You talk as if you have a clue about what is going on. IF there was an investigation where exmployess of the company are to be indicted by the RICO Statues, why would that leak that sensitive information to me, when it is obvious you can care less about me? Do you even know what the RICO statutes are? I dont think you do because you said that I will be sued under that act. RICO statutes apply to criminal actions, not civil. Keep doing research, LOL. The world is bigger then what you read on the internet.

Ill tell you this Scott, everything on the internet is not true. It is the responsibility of the reader to kidge what is legitimate and what is not. You say that " assume you know who I am and if you do then you there is nothing false you can say that I will not catch." I dont know who you are, and your credibility is absolutely zero. From an employee that went into Camco yesterday, and will be going in today, you pretty much proved to me that you are just a person on the outside looking in. Next!

And Sylvia. Camco has the ability to validatethe debts. But it is the responsibility of the consumer to clear up the matter. Just this past weekend I got into with a creditor for an account 30 days past due without my knowledge in my personal life. They refused to reinforce what they are saying in writing, validation of the debt, and any other paperwork because I was talking to the collections department for a 30 day past due account. The paperwork reguarding the account is with the actual creditor!

Even then, we still do have the information reguaring teh debt! There is a company called Jayhawk and we have the original contracts from being signed, payment history, etc. etc. Theonly reason Camco has it is because when they bought all of the accounts, they surrendered that information. That is not common practice.

If your house is on fire, and you insurance company handles it, they will send out someone to fix it that contracted. AllState doesnt have a inhouse handymen. So when that person comes to your house to fix the damage, do you ask them about lowering your premium by increasing your deductable? NO!!!! You go to AllState who you originally held an account with.

All of the info we have as collectors says that you are deliquent. People think by saying "Oh, I paid that, goodbye" that it clears up. I always invite people to submit whatever paperwork they claim that they have or give me the number of whatever lawyer they have retained in order to clear up the matter. Response? "Im not doing anything, your supposed to do it all". LOL. Well, its not me getting called every week for something i believe isnt mine. Do you think the collector decides on who gets called?

And Sylvia, do you know why you never received a response about the validity of your account? Because you asked for someone to validate your account in your cease and desist. IN the same letter that you asked for validation info, you also told them to stop all communication with you. So how are they going to get that info to you? Hey, im just going off of what you said.

"That's why, on the Cease and Desist letter, I requested specific proof that the debt existed at all. I never received an answer or any proof that the debt was real or still owed."

How can you tell them you want info, but in the same letter that you are telling them not to send it in? Im just going to take that as if you were mistaken when you sent it in, and think that you are fair enough to just say that more then likely thats why they didnt send in your affidavid of validation.

LIKE I SAID, I AM HERE TO HELP YOU PEOPLE! Trying to cut me down isnt going to do it. Saying a couple of loose words and trying to sound smart isnt going to do it either. Im just telling the painful truth. IF I am saying the truth this much, what is more purpose in lying abotu anything else? LOL, I did get me laugh for the day. Sued under the RICO acts. Thats hilarious...

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 27, 2004

POSTED: Tuesday, January 27, 2004

Scott, its hard for me to take you as being an intelligent person where I clearly state in my last post "I was wrong, they do have an office in Jamaica.", yet that is the main focus of your rebuttal. I never paid attention to the Montego Bay office because they usually dont do anything ntoeworthy. But yes, I will say it again, there is an office in Jamaica! What more do you want from me, a hit list of managers?

I swear, why does everyone think there is some sort of conspiracy theory here? You talk as if you have a clue about what is going on. IF there was an investigation where exmployess of the company are to be indicted by the RICO Statues, why would that leak that sensitive information to me, when it is obvious you can care less about me? Do you even know what the RICO statutes are? I dont think you do because you said that I will be sued under that act. RICO statutes apply to criminal actions, not civil. Keep doing research, LOL. The world is bigger then what you read on the internet.

Ill tell you this Scott, everything on the internet is not true. It is the responsibility of the reader to kidge what is legitimate and what is not. You say that " assume you know who I am and if you do then you there is nothing false you can say that I will not catch." I dont know who you are, and your credibility is absolutely zero. From an employee that went into Camco yesterday, and will be going in today, you pretty much proved to me that you are just a person on the outside looking in. Next!

And Sylvia. Camco has the ability to validatethe debts. But it is the responsibility of the consumer to clear up the matter. Just this past weekend I got into with a creditor for an account 30 days past due without my knowledge in my personal life. They refused to reinforce what they are saying in writing, validation of the debt, and any other paperwork because I was talking to the collections department for a 30 day past due account. The paperwork reguarding the account is with the actual creditor!

Even then, we still do have the information reguaring teh debt! There is a company called Jayhawk and we have the original contracts from being signed, payment history, etc. etc. Theonly reason Camco has it is because when they bought all of the accounts, they surrendered that information. That is not common practice.

If your house is on fire, and you insurance company handles it, they will send out someone to fix it that contracted. AllState doesnt have a inhouse handymen. So when that person comes to your house to fix the damage, do you ask them about lowering your premium by increasing your deductable? NO!!!! You go to AllState who you originally held an account with.

All of the info we have as collectors says that you are deliquent. People think by saying "Oh, I paid that, goodbye" that it clears up. I always invite people to submit whatever paperwork they claim that they have or give me the number of whatever lawyer they have retained in order to clear up the matter. Response? "Im not doing anything, your supposed to do it all". LOL. Well, its not me getting called every week for something i believe isnt mine. Do you think the collector decides on who gets called?

And Sylvia, do you know why you never received a response about the validity of your account? Because you asked for someone to validate your account in your cease and desist. IN the same letter that you asked for validation info, you also told them to stop all communication with you. So how are they going to get that info to you? Hey, im just going off of what you said.

"That's why, on the Cease and Desist letter, I requested specific proof that the debt existed at all. I never received an answer or any proof that the debt was real or still owed."

How can you tell them you want info, but in the same letter that you are telling them not to send it in? Im just going to take that as if you were mistaken when you sent it in, and think that you are fair enough to just say that more then likely thats why they didnt send in your affidavid of validation.

LIKE I SAID, I AM HERE TO HELP YOU PEOPLE! Trying to cut me down isnt going to do it. Saying a couple of loose words and trying to sound smart isnt going to do it either. Im just telling the painful truth. IF I am saying the truth this much, what is more purpose in lying abotu anything else? LOL, I did get me laugh for the day. Sued under the RICO acts. Thats hilarious...

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 27, 2004

POSTED: Tuesday, January 27, 2004

Scott, its hard for me to take you as being an intelligent person where I clearly state in my last post "I was wrong, they do have an office in Jamaica.", yet that is the main focus of your rebuttal. I never paid attention to the Montego Bay office because they usually dont do anything ntoeworthy. But yes, I will say it again, there is an office in Jamaica! What more do you want from me, a hit list of managers?

I swear, why does everyone think there is some sort of conspiracy theory here? You talk as if you have a clue about what is going on. IF there was an investigation where exmployess of the company are to be indicted by the RICO Statues, why would that leak that sensitive information to me, when it is obvious you can care less about me? Do you even know what the RICO statutes are? I dont think you do because you said that I will be sued under that act. RICO statutes apply to criminal actions, not civil. Keep doing research, LOL. The world is bigger then what you read on the internet.

Ill tell you this Scott, everything on the internet is not true. It is the responsibility of the reader to kidge what is legitimate and what is not. You say that " assume you know who I am and if you do then you there is nothing false you can say that I will not catch." I dont know who you are, and your credibility is absolutely zero. From an employee that went into Camco yesterday, and will be going in today, you pretty much proved to me that you are just a person on the outside looking in. Next!

And Sylvia. Camco has the ability to validatethe debts. But it is the responsibility of the consumer to clear up the matter. Just this past weekend I got into with a creditor for an account 30 days past due without my knowledge in my personal life. They refused to reinforce what they are saying in writing, validation of the debt, and any other paperwork because I was talking to the collections department for a 30 day past due account. The paperwork reguarding the account is with the actual creditor!

Even then, we still do have the information reguaring teh debt! There is a company called Jayhawk and we have the original contracts from being signed, payment history, etc. etc. Theonly reason Camco has it is because when they bought all of the accounts, they surrendered that information. That is not common practice.

If your house is on fire, and you insurance company handles it, they will send out someone to fix it that contracted. AllState doesnt have a inhouse handymen. So when that person comes to your house to fix the damage, do you ask them about lowering your premium by increasing your deductable? NO!!!! You go to AllState who you originally held an account with.

All of the info we have as collectors says that you are deliquent. People think by saying "Oh, I paid that, goodbye" that it clears up. I always invite people to submit whatever paperwork they claim that they have or give me the number of whatever lawyer they have retained in order to clear up the matter. Response? "Im not doing anything, your supposed to do it all". LOL. Well, its not me getting called every week for something i believe isnt mine. Do you think the collector decides on who gets called?

And Sylvia, do you know why you never received a response about the validity of your account? Because you asked for someone to validate your account in your cease and desist. IN the same letter that you asked for validation info, you also told them to stop all communication with you. So how are they going to get that info to you? Hey, im just going off of what you said.

"That's why, on the Cease and Desist letter, I requested specific proof that the debt existed at all. I never received an answer or any proof that the debt was real or still owed."

How can you tell them you want info, but in the same letter that you are telling them not to send it in? Im just going to take that as if you were mistaken when you sent it in, and think that you are fair enough to just say that more then likely thats why they didnt send in your affidavid of validation.

LIKE I SAID, I AM HERE TO HELP YOU PEOPLE! Trying to cut me down isnt going to do it. Saying a couple of loose words and trying to sound smart isnt going to do it either. Im just telling the painful truth. IF I am saying the truth this much, what is more purpose in lying abotu anything else? LOL, I did get me laugh for the day. Sued under the RICO acts. Thats hilarious...

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 27, 2004

POSTED: Tuesday, January 27, 2004

Scott, its hard for me to take you as being an intelligent person where I clearly state in my last post "I was wrong, they do have an office in Jamaica.", yet that is the main focus of your rebuttal. I never paid attention to the Montego Bay office because they usually dont do anything ntoeworthy. But yes, I will say it again, there is an office in Jamaica! What more do you want from me, a hit list of managers?

I swear, why does everyone think there is some sort of conspiracy theory here? You talk as if you have a clue about what is going on. IF there was an investigation where exmployess of the company are to be indicted by the RICO Statues, why would that leak that sensitive information to me, when it is obvious you can care less about me? Do you even know what the RICO statutes are? I dont think you do because you said that I will be sued under that act. RICO statutes apply to criminal actions, not civil. Keep doing research, LOL. The world is bigger then what you read on the internet.

Ill tell you this Scott, everything on the internet is not true. It is the responsibility of the reader to kidge what is legitimate and what is not. You say that " assume you know who I am and if you do then you there is nothing false you can say that I will not catch." I dont know who you are, and your credibility is absolutely zero. From an employee that went into Camco yesterday, and will be going in today, you pretty much proved to me that you are just a person on the outside looking in. Next!

And Sylvia. Camco has the ability to validatethe debts. But it is the responsibility of the consumer to clear up the matter. Just this past weekend I got into with a creditor for an account 30 days past due without my knowledge in my personal life. They refused to reinforce what they are saying in writing, validation of the debt, and any other paperwork because I was talking to the collections department for a 30 day past due account. The paperwork reguarding the account is with the actual creditor!

Even then, we still do have the information reguaring teh debt! There is a company called Jayhawk and we have the original contracts from being signed, payment history, etc. etc. Theonly reason Camco has it is because when they bought all of the accounts, they surrendered that information. That is not common practice.

If your house is on fire, and you insurance company handles it, they will send out someone to fix it that contracted. AllState doesnt have a inhouse handymen. So when that person comes to your house to fix the damage, do you ask them about lowering your premium by increasing your deductable? NO!!!! You go to AllState who you originally held an account with.

All of the info we have as collectors says that you are deliquent. People think by saying "Oh, I paid that, goodbye" that it clears up. I always invite people to submit whatever paperwork they claim that they have or give me the number of whatever lawyer they have retained in order to clear up the matter. Response? "Im not doing anything, your supposed to do it all". LOL. Well, its not me getting called every week for something i believe isnt mine. Do you think the collector decides on who gets called?

And Sylvia, do you know why you never received a response about the validity of your account? Because you asked for someone to validate your account in your cease and desist. IN the same letter that you asked for validation info, you also told them to stop all communication with you. So how are they going to get that info to you? Hey, im just going off of what you said.

"That's why, on the Cease and Desist letter, I requested specific proof that the debt existed at all. I never received an answer or any proof that the debt was real or still owed."

How can you tell them you want info, but in the same letter that you are telling them not to send it in? Im just going to take that as if you were mistaken when you sent it in, and think that you are fair enough to just say that more then likely thats why they didnt send in your affidavid of validation.

LIKE I SAID, I AM HERE TO HELP YOU PEOPLE! Trying to cut me down isnt going to do it. Saying a couple of loose words and trying to sound smart isnt going to do it either. Im just telling the painful truth. IF I am saying the truth this much, what is more purpose in lying abotu anything else? LOL, I did get me laugh for the day. Sued under the RICO acts. Thats hilarious...

AUTHOR: Sylvia - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, January 26, 2004

POSTED: Monday, January 26, 2004

Here's the whole thing in a nutshell. sCAMCO has never been able to prove the debts are real or unpaid. When they called me, I asked for written proof of the debt which had been paid off years ago. That's PAID, Terry, not skipped out on. By law, sCAMCO has to prove that the debt is valid. That's why, on the Cease and Desist letter, I requested specific proof that the debt existed at all. I never received an answer or any proof that the debt was real or still owed. If sCAMCO has legimate debts they are collecting, why can they never prove the validity of those debts? It's because they are a fraudulent operation, that's why.

AUTHOR: Scott - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, January 26, 2004

POSTED: Monday, January 26, 2004

What am I gonna do with you. We both know there is an office in the Carribean and we both know(or at least I do) that Camco funnels its money out of the states so when they lose those class action lawsuits their net worth is not nearly as much as they really have. Oh, you are being sued for criminal violations of the Rico act. You did not know this? You will. I assume you know who I am and if you do then you there is nothing false you can say that I will not catch. I have talked to your fellow collectors, attorneys, ex managers, and even parents of collectors from camco who are concerned about the illegal and yes immoral activies going on their. I also realize the collectors themselves get a ton of abuse heaped on them by managers there but it does not give you guys the right to pass it on to the innocent consumers. Your collectors always threaten the consumers credit reports. IF you did not then nobody there would get paid. The massive class action lawsuit has just started. Ye best keep a low profile or you will be next.

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

if I didnt have a sense of morals, I wouldnt be on here trying to tell people how to get out of dealing with Camco.

I no way or form am I happy when I am forced to collect on someone who is barely making ends meet. Like said before, I am one of few collectors who listen to everyones story. The fact is, too many people are quick to make fast judgements.

Example: This past week, I spoke to the wife of someone who owed a debt of approx. $1500. When discussed with the wife, she was fully aware of it, and until this day was actually talking him into paying it. She 100% admitted that her husband had try to run from it. Her exact words were: "He dug the hole, so now he must lie in it". We talked like old friends and I gave her a settlement for as low as I could without raising suspicion in my job. She was to get the info for payment on a later date that she designated since her husband was not home. Not a problem. I call, exactly when she told me to, and I say exactly this :

"Mr. X, this is Z, I believe I spoke with your wife about this issue with Bank Q, and I was wondering if she had a chance to talk to you about it."

"You paid it off with the collector? Not a problem sir, do you think it would be possible to mail in a letter of release or somethign will a zero balance so I can clear our records here in the office?"

Response:

"Im not doing sh*t! All i know is that I paid it. You figure the rest out." [then I am hung up on]

About the debts being valid. Ok, here is the deal. These are all debts bought from collection agencys. Camco only liquidates them because they buy them extremely cheap. Thats why they are extremely quick to offer a settlement. By the time it comes to Camco, the validity could have been debated with the original collection agency a thousand times. As a collector, we usually here "Mail something out to me". We log ever letter that is sent out. Understand that there is reluctance in sending out a letter validating a debt when you've received 13 making you aware of the debt, yet you've never called once. do you see what Im getting at?

Even when debts are validated, people still want to try to run games. One company that Camco buys debts from is a company that handles Auto Def. [aka car repos]. What is there to debate when the car disappears from you parking lot at work? This is how car repors work. The bank auctions off the car and applies it to the balance. The amount owed doesnt disappear because the car was repo'd. It carries over. This is common knowledge, but people love to say "It was over with when they took the car!"

I am one of the nicest collectors out there, and I do my job with a conscience. I try my hardest to help people who have been accused wrongly or who simply have the money. Even then, I still get hung up on, cursed out, etc. Every account we collect on has background info with it. Camco jsut doesnt make up a list of people to harrass out of money. The debts are bought with hopes of being collected on.

Camco is not some sort of crime ring. They are in the business of collecting money on old debts. I was wrong, they do have an office in Jamaica. But there is no scam so that they can try to steal your identity or pull money from your bank account. The foul language and multiple calls are the actions of the individual collector, not the company. Some managers care if FDCPA guidelines are met, some do not.

About me going to school and getting a real job, some of you dont understand. I am only here to help. I can sit here and attempt to cut some of you down, tell you how if you paid your bills in the first place, you would have never heard of Camco, etc. etc. Guess what? I am college educated, with a degree in the computer industry. But realize that I am here for you more than you are here for me. You cant really tell me anything I havent heard at work. Naturally I am looking for another form of employment, because I dont think that working at Camco is morally correct. Until then, I am stuck there, and I will attempt to only persue debts that are obviously valid.

A Cease and Desist letter sent by certified means will get them to stop calling you. Make sure that you state that you want them to end ALL communication, whether it be by fax, phone, mail, or email. Be aware that some of these accounts that Camco calls on are still within the statutes and limitations. I will say this on a parting note. If you live in Nevada, statutes and limitations is 2 years. If you live in Kentucky, it is 15 years. Do your research and find out if the debt is valid and if it will affect you negatively.

PS: Some of the companys Camco actually does have the paperwork for. Mostly the auto repo companys.

The real moral question is, if you knew really that you owed the money and Camco contacted you, but its no longer on your credit report, would you still pay it? Sylvia, Dan, Michelle? Or would you be content in that its cleared up and wont affect you anymore?

BTW, I dont even work at the Rockford office. I using it because I am open to being sued by even letting people know how Camco operates. Some of you guys out there are pissed because Im saying what you dont want to hear. But Im putting now only a job, but my own personal financial well being [I can be sued for the info I am giving out here, I signed a contract] is at risk. Can anyone else say that? Please dont lose focus in that I am trying to help.

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

if I didnt have a sense of morals, I wouldnt be on here trying to tell people how to get out of dealing with Camco.

I no way or form am I happy when I am forced to collect on someone who is barely making ends meet. Like said before, I am one of few collectors who listen to everyones story. The fact is, too many people are quick to make fast judgements.

Example: This past week, I spoke to the wife of someone who owed a debt of approx. $1500. When discussed with the wife, she was fully aware of it, and until this day was actually talking him into paying it. She 100% admitted that her husband had try to run from it. Her exact words were: "He dug the hole, so now he must lie in it". We talked like old friends and I gave her a settlement for as low as I could without raising suspicion in my job. She was to get the info for payment on a later date that she designated since her husband was not home. Not a problem. I call, exactly when she told me to, and I say exactly this :

"Mr. X, this is Z, I believe I spoke with your wife about this issue with Bank Q, and I was wondering if she had a chance to talk to you about it."

"You paid it off with the collector? Not a problem sir, do you think it would be possible to mail in a letter of release or somethign will a zero balance so I can clear our records here in the office?"

Response:

"Im not doing sh*t! All i know is that I paid it. You figure the rest out." [then I am hung up on]

About the debts being valid. Ok, here is the deal. These are all debts bought from collection agencys. Camco only liquidates them because they buy them extremely cheap. Thats why they are extremely quick to offer a settlement. By the time it comes to Camco, the validity could have been debated with the original collection agency a thousand times. As a collector, we usually here "Mail something out to me". We log ever letter that is sent out. Understand that there is reluctance in sending out a letter validating a debt when you've received 13 making you aware of the debt, yet you've never called once. do you see what Im getting at?

Even when debts are validated, people still want to try to run games. One company that Camco buys debts from is a company that handles Auto Def. [aka car repos]. What is there to debate when the car disappears from you parking lot at work? This is how car repors work. The bank auctions off the car and applies it to the balance. The amount owed doesnt disappear because the car was repo'd. It carries over. This is common knowledge, but people love to say "It was over with when they took the car!"

I am one of the nicest collectors out there, and I do my job with a conscience. I try my hardest to help people who have been accused wrongly or who simply have the money. Even then, I still get hung up on, cursed out, etc. Every account we collect on has background info with it. Camco jsut doesnt make up a list of people to harrass out of money. The debts are bought with hopes of being collected on.

Camco is not some sort of crime ring. They are in the business of collecting money on old debts. I was wrong, they do have an office in Jamaica. But there is no scam so that they can try to steal your identity or pull money from your bank account. The foul language and multiple calls are the actions of the individual collector, not the company. Some managers care if FDCPA guidelines are met, some do not.

About me going to school and getting a real job, some of you dont understand. I am only here to help. I can sit here and attempt to cut some of you down, tell you how if you paid your bills in the first place, you would have never heard of Camco, etc. etc. Guess what? I am college educated, with a degree in the computer industry. But realize that I am here for you more than you are here for me. You cant really tell me anything I havent heard at work. Naturally I am looking for another form of employment, because I dont think that working at Camco is morally correct. Until then, I am stuck there, and I will attempt to only persue debts that are obviously valid.

A Cease and Desist letter sent by certified means will get them to stop calling you. Make sure that you state that you want them to end ALL communication, whether it be by fax, phone, mail, or email. Be aware that some of these accounts that Camco calls on are still within the statutes and limitations. I will say this on a parting note. If you live in Nevada, statutes and limitations is 2 years. If you live in Kentucky, it is 15 years. Do your research and find out if the debt is valid and if it will affect you negatively.

PS: Some of the companys Camco actually does have the paperwork for. Mostly the auto repo companys.

The real moral question is, if you knew really that you owed the money and Camco contacted you, but its no longer on your credit report, would you still pay it? Sylvia, Dan, Michelle? Or would you be content in that its cleared up and wont affect you anymore?

BTW, I dont even work at the Rockford office. I using it because I am open to being sued by even letting people know how Camco operates. Some of you guys out there are pissed because Im saying what you dont want to hear. But Im putting now only a job, but my own personal financial well being [I can be sued for the info I am giving out here, I signed a contract] is at risk. Can anyone else say that? Please dont lose focus in that I am trying to help.

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

if I didnt have a sense of morals, I wouldnt be on here trying to tell people how to get out of dealing with Camco.

I no way or form am I happy when I am forced to collect on someone who is barely making ends meet. Like said before, I am one of few collectors who listen to everyones story. The fact is, too many people are quick to make fast judgements.

Example: This past week, I spoke to the wife of someone who owed a debt of approx. $1500. When discussed with the wife, she was fully aware of it, and until this day was actually talking him into paying it. She 100% admitted that her husband had try to run from it. Her exact words were: "He dug the hole, so now he must lie in it". We talked like old friends and I gave her a settlement for as low as I could without raising suspicion in my job. She was to get the info for payment on a later date that she designated since her husband was not home. Not a problem. I call, exactly when she told me to, and I say exactly this :

"Mr. X, this is Z, I believe I spoke with your wife about this issue with Bank Q, and I was wondering if she had a chance to talk to you about it."

"You paid it off with the collector? Not a problem sir, do you think it would be possible to mail in a letter of release or somethign will a zero balance so I can clear our records here in the office?"

Response:

"Im not doing sh*t! All i know is that I paid it. You figure the rest out." [then I am hung up on]

About the debts being valid. Ok, here is the deal. These are all debts bought from collection agencys. Camco only liquidates them because they buy them extremely cheap. Thats why they are extremely quick to offer a settlement. By the time it comes to Camco, the validity could have been debated with the original collection agency a thousand times. As a collector, we usually here "Mail something out to me". We log ever letter that is sent out. Understand that there is reluctance in sending out a letter validating a debt when you've received 13 making you aware of the debt, yet you've never called once. do you see what Im getting at?

Even when debts are validated, people still want to try to run games. One company that Camco buys debts from is a company that handles Auto Def. [aka car repos]. What is there to debate when the car disappears from you parking lot at work? This is how car repors work. The bank auctions off the car and applies it to the balance. The amount owed doesnt disappear because the car was repo'd. It carries over. This is common knowledge, but people love to say "It was over with when they took the car!"

I am one of the nicest collectors out there, and I do my job with a conscience. I try my hardest to help people who have been accused wrongly or who simply have the money. Even then, I still get hung up on, cursed out, etc. Every account we collect on has background info with it. Camco jsut doesnt make up a list of people to harrass out of money. The debts are bought with hopes of being collected on.

Camco is not some sort of crime ring. They are in the business of collecting money on old debts. I was wrong, they do have an office in Jamaica. But there is no scam so that they can try to steal your identity or pull money from your bank account. The foul language and multiple calls are the actions of the individual collector, not the company. Some managers care if FDCPA guidelines are met, some do not.

About me going to school and getting a real job, some of you dont understand. I am only here to help. I can sit here and attempt to cut some of you down, tell you how if you paid your bills in the first place, you would have never heard of Camco, etc. etc. Guess what? I am college educated, with a degree in the computer industry. But realize that I am here for you more than you are here for me. You cant really tell me anything I havent heard at work. Naturally I am looking for another form of employment, because I dont think that working at Camco is morally correct. Until then, I am stuck there, and I will attempt to only persue debts that are obviously valid.

A Cease and Desist letter sent by certified means will get them to stop calling you. Make sure that you state that you want them to end ALL communication, whether it be by fax, phone, mail, or email. Be aware that some of these accounts that Camco calls on are still within the statutes and limitations. I will say this on a parting note. If you live in Nevada, statutes and limitations is 2 years. If you live in Kentucky, it is 15 years. Do your research and find out if the debt is valid and if it will affect you negatively.

PS: Some of the companys Camco actually does have the paperwork for. Mostly the auto repo companys.

The real moral question is, if you knew really that you owed the money and Camco contacted you, but its no longer on your credit report, would you still pay it? Sylvia, Dan, Michelle? Or would you be content in that its cleared up and wont affect you anymore?

BTW, I dont even work at the Rockford office. I using it because I am open to being sued by even letting people know how Camco operates. Some of you guys out there are pissed because Im saying what you dont want to hear. But Im putting now only a job, but my own personal financial well being [I can be sued for the info I am giving out here, I signed a contract] is at risk. Can anyone else say that? Please dont lose focus in that I am trying to help.

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

if I didnt have a sense of morals, I wouldnt be on here trying to tell people how to get out of dealing with Camco.

I no way or form am I happy when I am forced to collect on someone who is barely making ends meet. Like said before, I am one of few collectors who listen to everyones story. The fact is, too many people are quick to make fast judgements.

Example: This past week, I spoke to the wife of someone who owed a debt of approx. $1500. When discussed with the wife, she was fully aware of it, and until this day was actually talking him into paying it. She 100% admitted that her husband had try to run from it. Her exact words were: "He dug the hole, so now he must lie in it". We talked like old friends and I gave her a settlement for as low as I could without raising suspicion in my job. She was to get the info for payment on a later date that she designated since her husband was not home. Not a problem. I call, exactly when she told me to, and I say exactly this :

"Mr. X, this is Z, I believe I spoke with your wife about this issue with Bank Q, and I was wondering if she had a chance to talk to you about it."

"You paid it off with the collector? Not a problem sir, do you think it would be possible to mail in a letter of release or somethign will a zero balance so I can clear our records here in the office?"

Response:

"Im not doing sh*t! All i know is that I paid it. You figure the rest out." [then I am hung up on]

About the debts being valid. Ok, here is the deal. These are all debts bought from collection agencys. Camco only liquidates them because they buy them extremely cheap. Thats why they are extremely quick to offer a settlement. By the time it comes to Camco, the validity could have been debated with the original collection agency a thousand times. As a collector, we usually here "Mail something out to me". We log ever letter that is sent out. Understand that there is reluctance in sending out a letter validating a debt when you've received 13 making you aware of the debt, yet you've never called once. do you see what Im getting at?

Even when debts are validated, people still want to try to run games. One company that Camco buys debts from is a company that handles Auto Def. [aka car repos]. What is there to debate when the car disappears from you parking lot at work? This is how car repors work. The bank auctions off the car and applies it to the balance. The amount owed doesnt disappear because the car was repo'd. It carries over. This is common knowledge, but people love to say "It was over with when they took the car!"

I am one of the nicest collectors out there, and I do my job with a conscience. I try my hardest to help people who have been accused wrongly or who simply have the money. Even then, I still get hung up on, cursed out, etc. Every account we collect on has background info with it. Camco jsut doesnt make up a list of people to harrass out of money. The debts are bought with hopes of being collected on.

Camco is not some sort of crime ring. They are in the business of collecting money on old debts. I was wrong, they do have an office in Jamaica. But there is no scam so that they can try to steal your identity or pull money from your bank account. The foul language and multiple calls are the actions of the individual collector, not the company. Some managers care if FDCPA guidelines are met, some do not.

About me going to school and getting a real job, some of you dont understand. I am only here to help. I can sit here and attempt to cut some of you down, tell you how if you paid your bills in the first place, you would have never heard of Camco, etc. etc. Guess what? I am college educated, with a degree in the computer industry. But realize that I am here for you more than you are here for me. You cant really tell me anything I havent heard at work. Naturally I am looking for another form of employment, because I dont think that working at Camco is morally correct. Until then, I am stuck there, and I will attempt to only persue debts that are obviously valid.

A Cease and Desist letter sent by certified means will get them to stop calling you. Make sure that you state that you want them to end ALL communication, whether it be by fax, phone, mail, or email. Be aware that some of these accounts that Camco calls on are still within the statutes and limitations. I will say this on a parting note. If you live in Nevada, statutes and limitations is 2 years. If you live in Kentucky, it is 15 years. Do your research and find out if the debt is valid and if it will affect you negatively.

PS: Some of the companys Camco actually does have the paperwork for. Mostly the auto repo companys.

The real moral question is, if you knew really that you owed the money and Camco contacted you, but its no longer on your credit report, would you still pay it? Sylvia, Dan, Michelle? Or would you be content in that its cleared up and wont affect you anymore?

BTW, I dont even work at the Rockford office. I using it because I am open to being sued by even letting people know how Camco operates. Some of you guys out there are pissed because Im saying what you dont want to hear. But Im putting now only a job, but my own personal financial well being [I can be sued for the info I am giving out here, I signed a contract] is at risk. Can anyone else say that? Please dont lose focus in that I am trying to help.

AUTHOR: Melody - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 24, 2004

POSTED: Saturday, January 24, 2004

this was sent to me from Michelle, who has responded to me regarding my original posting. I sent them the letter via certified return receipt and received a signed receipt back on 12/29/03. As of this date, I have not heard anything further from these people. Thank you Terry and Dan for your comments regarding the company you work for. I know as well as anyone what it means to have to work to pay bills and raise my family. I would never choose to earn a living as you do, but that is the choice you have made and I have no right to judge. You both sound like you have some semblance of consciences and so I hope that you are soon able to find employment that allows you to sleep better at night. Now for information on the Cease and Desist letter, compliments of Michelle:

Make them prove everything to you. A creditor's name and the account balance won't be sufficient. You'll need an original signed contract before you acknoledge the debt is yours.

Send a cease and desist letter to them immediately. If you know the laws you are protected by, draft your own cease and desist letter.

Send the letter via certified mail with a return receipt request. Keep a copy of the letter for your files. The letter may take a couple of weeks to work its way through the collection agency's system before your number is taken out of their automated dialers. Even after the receive the letter they are allowed (under law) to contact you one time to notify you or their intent.

The easist way to personalize this letter is to copy and paste it into a word processing program.

This will serve as your legal notice under provisions of federal law, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), to cease all communication with me in regard to the debt referenced above. If you fail to heed this notice, I will file a formal complaint against you with the Federal Trade Commission who is responsible for enforcement, the States Attorney General office and/or the American Collectors Association or local State Bar Association.

I/We have decided that we do not desire to work with a collection agency under any circumstances

AUTHOR: Sylvia - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 24, 2004

POSTED: Saturday, January 24, 2004

In case you haven't noticed, several people here have contacted lawyers. In fact, there is a law firm in Chicago that is in the process of filing a class action suit against sCAMCO. What you choose to ignore is the fact that sCAMCO cannot validate the debts they are trying to collect. That means they cannot prove that the debt is legal to collect. They consistently violate federal law by failing to identify themselves as debt collectors. They use intimidation tactics, foul language, outright threats - all of which is against the law. And as for needing this job to support yourself, we all need jobs to support ourselves and our families. There are many jobs available that pay well and don't involve illegal and immoral behavior like sCAMCO. Your pitiful excuse just doesn't fly, Terry. Get an education, get some morals and you won't have to work for garbage outfits like this. If you had any genuine ability, if you had any real sense of ethical behavior, you would not work for a company that harasses and steals from people.

AUTHOR: Michelle - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 23, 2004

POSTED: Friday, January 23, 2004

There is too a office in the Jamica.. How do I know this well when these dirt bags called me I have caller ID>>>>> and I called the operator and looked up online the area code was a Jamica number.. and the women harrassing me was representing herself as a scumco employee and reading ss numbers and what not.

as for the camco employee trying to preach to us give me a break... I agree go to school and get a real job not harrassing people cause what goes around comes around...

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 23, 2004

POSTED: Friday, January 23, 2004

Calm Down Sylvia,.. I think you read a little too deep into what I wrote without actually digesting the words. I only explained things from a CAMCOs point of view. If I were content with what was being done, then I would not be posting on this site letting people know how simple it is to end communication from Camco. I gave the most informative information on how camco OPERATES, not how I think they are theives, they kicked over my garbage can, etc.

Read on a level higher than a 10 year old. Of course Camco doesnt help anyone! Where did I say that? Nobody Camco calls is obligated to pay. The debts are too old. BUt Camco is legally allowed to collect on them. If you pay or not is up to you. CAMCO practices illegal, immoral, etc. Illegal, no, or you would see more then lawsuits because it would be considered an organization formed for the purpose of commiting crimes and classified under the RICO statutes and then it would be shut down and owners arrested. Its obvious you know very little about legal procedings and are merely repeating things on internet boards. DO the FACTUAL research. Talk to a lawyer. They will tell you you dontThe only thing illegal are certain things that are said while Camco talks to you, and those have to be recorded as evidence because slick wording can fool someone into thinking they are going to court.

Sylvia, you know nothing about me whatsoever. Yea, I work there, but you know what? I hate taking money from people who are in their 80s and make $250/mo on SSI. If I wasnt sick and tired and disgusted with the job, I would not be on here giving information about this company. I am one of the few collectors that follow FDCPA guidlines and dont lie or use intimidation tactics. Why do I work at Camco? Because it is a job that I found out has serious moral issues and I am there until I find suitable employment. I have a family that I must support. I have a car that requires gas, a house that requires heat. Do you wanna come and pay my bills? Ill quit today if you can provide me with the money IM making a Camco. Where can I pick up the checks? Unless you can give me a job that pays as much, or you can be my trust fund, I suggest you say absolutely nothing to me. Im an actual person, ore then just words on a screen. I have a life. Im only here to help people out.

AUTHOR: Sylvia - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, January 22, 2004

POSTED: Thursday, January 22, 2004

Terry, you are a lying sack of garbage. If you had read even a tenth of these postings, you know sCAMCO/SCUMCO does NOT ever do the things you say to help anyone at all. You state that they are trying to collect money. That makes them a collection agency. Weasel-wording the company name doesn't change the facts. In addition, there is absolutely no effort made to verify that the debt was legal in the first place nor has sCAMCO/SCUMCO ever been able to validate any debt when asked. Their collection practices are illegal, unethical and immoral. If sCAMCO/SCUMCO is such an honorable outfir, why are they being investigated by the authorities? Why is there a class action suit in work against them? And, yes, it's been verified that sCAMCO/SCUMCO has an office in the Caribbean. That is where the companmy's owners hide their money. The company has been successfully sued numerous times. You and the other ignorant, immoral, foul, bottom-feeding walking garbage working with you need to get real and face up to the fact you work for a fraudulent operation. Get some morals, get some education and get a real job.

AUTHOR: H. Y. - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, January 22, 2004

POSTED: Thursday, January 22, 2004

Do you know Steven Thomas or Chris Knight? I have been bullied, harrassed, and verbally abused even after they verified they did not have the right person. My SS# did not match the individual or any other information I gave regarding my family. After all this, Steven started telling me I was lying and accused me that our family was using each other's name or SS#!!! I was calm, but after several minutes of yelling by Steven and not allowing me to pass some information which would clear my name, I had to hang-up. Believe me, I tried to listen several different times. I am sure you have me recorded in your office, go back and listen. You will find that I was the one trying to resolve the situation, but you can only take so much verbal abuse before enough is enough!!

My credit record is impeccable, and I have never had any debt for which I did not pay. I agree with you Terry, if you owe money to someone else, you should pay up, but what about for the person who does not? Should that individual pay someone else's debt?

I am sure you believe you work for a good company, but I disagree. A company should apologize, not only to their employee, but also with people they do business with if they were found wrong. I have yet to hear an apology from CACMO. I wish I could get your email address so that I can send you these recorded conversations. In it, you will even hear degrading racial remarks.

By the way, Terry, if you speak with either Steven Thomas or Chris Knight, tell them I am still waiting for an apology either by phone or by letter. Thank you.

AUTHOR: Martin - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 21, 2004

POSTED: Wednesday, January 21, 2004

same gripe, over and over and over. i came here looking for answers. has anyone had success suing them under the FCRA? section 616 of FCRA provides for $1000 punitive damages, to get punitive damages there must be some damage done before hand. yes, we all know CAMCO is a problem, let's get some solutions

AUTHOR: Terry - (U.S.A.)

Ok, I currently work for Camco and I have a concious. Im going to let you konw what happens on the inside, without the B/S ego massaging so that everyone feels what they say is right.

First of all, there is no Carribean office. Lie, big 'ol lie.
Second of all, it is legal for them to have your credit report available.
Third, yes, the Accurint info is legally available!

The fact is, if Camco contacts you, then yes, you ran away from a debt! These debts meet federal regulation as being valid. 80% of the time, there are people out there who will not admit that they actually bought something, never finished paying for it, and were content with it being charged off. Morally, YOU ARE WRONG! Understand me when I say this, a large majority of my calls are to people who say "It was written off, I dont care!" That is stealing! If people actually listened to some of the people who are nice in the office so that they can get to the bottom of the issue, then they will have time to discover that you arent the debtor!

Now, this is the deal. Camco considers themself an Acquisition company, not a collection agency. They liquidate valid debts. THEY CAN NOT ATTEMPT TO CONTACT YOU IF THE DEBTS ARE NOT CONSIDERED VALID BY FEDERAL LAW! The problem is, everyone is so quick to hang up their phone instead of solve the issue. IF you are not the person they are trying to contact, then cooperate and they will erase your info. They're purpose is to collect money from people and the chances of collecting it from someone with the same name are slim to none, so they arent interested in wasting their time with you.

Let me clear up that Camco doesnt make up these debts out of nowhere and steal information. It is passed along from the collection agency that owned the account before. They buy the accounts for dirt cheap since they are so old and hope to collect the full balance. Thats why they dont mind taking off the interest for a settlement. Thats why they make so much money. Thats why they can afford to settle for $500 on an account with a $7k balance. The reason they are contacting you is because of some way or form, the debt was not release. You may have been divorced and your ex wife ran this up without your knowledge, it may not have been on your bankruptcy as you thought, etc. SOme people did actually clear up the debt and never submitted the neccessary paperwork. But before Camco buys the debt, the make sure that it is collectable, not a fraud issue, etc. All of the account have been open, paid on, then never satisfied completely. Its a fact. Nuff said. Identity fraud is usually thrown out because nobody steals someones identity and maintains it for 3 years.

They are playing a numbers game. More than likely, most people dont go through the properprocess in getting these things cleared up.

What can you do? Send a letter that tells them to stop communication. By law, they must, and if you actually do it correctly [certified mail], you will not be called again. Thats its, enough said, game over. They have a rebuttalfor everything you say. MOst people dont understand statues and limitations. NO, they will not sue you. The most they can do is call you. One letter stops all the communication. If you have a lawyer, tell them to call. DONT HAVE YOUR FRIEND ACT AS IF THEY ARE A LAWYER! This is very common. They will eat you up and chew you up.

Im just shedding some light. Dont wish to be known. And giving a straight up answer. Not trying to make anyone feel good for no reason. If you have a debt, admit to it. They arent some mob financed company trying to steal your identity. If that was their interest, then they have all the info they need without even calling you. Your social, previous address info, people in your house is there. Dont be skeptikal to the point that your unrealistic. Its already on the screen. If they already had the info, why would they call you first? Its valid per US governmetn in the first place!

The local police department in your city and file a complaint of Terrorist Threat phone calls, and demand it be sent to Illinois; explain to them this company is being investigated for doing this sort of thing serially.

AUTHOR: Michelle - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 20, 2004

POSTED: Tuesday, January 20, 2004

I am so glad you all were able to contact credit co. your all very welcome I learned it and was glad to share it made me feel a little better dealing with these creeps. Ya know I filed with ftc and they basically told me they could do nothing. So I guess the only thing to do is keep fighting them and hope or get a class action suit started I cannot belive there even in bussiness still ripping all these people here off not to mention countless others who havent been upset enough to find rip off report.. ugh camco is a fraud. ugh ugh...

AUTHOR: Eduardo - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 20, 2004

POSTED: Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Are you Dan Evans? Or is he one of your former colleagues?

I had several inspired conversations with an individual named Dan Evans in Rockford and just wondering if he had come to see the light.
BTW The Cease and Desist letter seems to have worked wonders. Have not heard a word from Scamco after sending it.

AUTHOR: Dennis - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 20, 2004

POSTED: Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Yes, yes, yes! If there is anyway to get involved in a class action against this hers of crooks please let me know.

I too became a victim last night. Their tactics are brutal. If you are worrying about giving out your ss#, dont. They already have it. I too fear reprisal from these thugs. I am a private investigator in Louisiana and know something about the FCRA and collections act and the GLB. They violate them all.

Keep the heat on em. Keep posting your remedies we need all the help we can muster.

AUTHOR: H. Y. - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 16, 2004

POSTED: Friday, January 16, 2004

Thank You... In regards to Michelle's suggestion-Thank you!! I listed my complaint on 1/16/04, regarding Mistaken Identity. My husband and I took your advice and put a Fraud Security Alert on our credit reports. From talking with CAMCO rep. I felt like they were going to tag someone else's debt to mine because I ignorantly gave my social security number to them. If anyone is considering a class action lawsuit against CAMCO, let me know, I would like to get involved in this.

AUTHOR: Melody - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 14, 2004

POSTED: Wednesday, January 14, 2004

Per Michelle's advice, which I am grateful to her for, I contacted Experian and filed a report regarding possible identity theft. I was able to do this only by going to their site. They give you a choice of filing a 90-day report or longer. The 90-day report is free and they will contact the other two major credit report companies, which will also put a 90-day identity theft alert on your credit report. This means that everytime someone tries to obtain credit against your name and social security number you must be notified before any action will take place. By doing this you also get free access to your credit report and they mail you a written report as well. I was happy to see that my credit was in good standing. Anybody who feels that Camco might rip them off should take these steps to protect themselves. Again, thank you for your advice Michelle!

AUTHOR: Martin - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 03, 2004

POSTED: Saturday, January 03, 2004

i filed a dispute telling transunion i have no business with CAMCO that they are looking at my credit without a permissable purpose. i am told to take it up with CAMCO of course i get no response from them.

AUTHOR: Dan - (U.S.A.)

Thank you for reading my response, Melody. You have verified my purpose for posting in the first place.

All CAMCO collectors have access to your credit report, which isn't always accurate, but your credit report would contain your social security number. Most of the reports come from Trans Union.

What I mean by "not accurate" is that they pull the credit report only once. They could obtain the debt and credit report in January, lets say, and they will try to collect based on that same information a year later.

It is true that there is an office in the Carribean, also Atlanta, Schaumburg,IL, Florida, and the main office is here in Rockford,IL. I haven't personally witnessed any identity theft, however all the tools are available for it.
There is an advanced search engine they use called "Accurint". It can be obtained online, but it costs. With this tool, they can see where you live, what your home # is, what your neighbors home # and address are, what your previous address is(for about 20 years back), they can search using your SSN, and find anyone who has ever been linked to it(which is good to track possible identity theft).

Bottom line is, Melody, that even though they ARE looking at your credit report, they are not allowed to tell you they are. They use that info as leverage to make people pay. If you can catch one of these collectors on recording telling you they are looking at your credit report, that would be great evidence against them.
To be technical it is a FDCPA(FairDebtCollectionPracticesAct) violation to reveal that info. CATCH THEM ON RECORDING!!!
The supervisors look the other way when this is taking place!!! They are out for their bonus pay, and that's it!! You can make a great living working there, but not an honest one.
I'll check frequently for responses, and I also will respond accordingly. Thank you.

AUTHOR: Phyllis - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 02, 2004

POSTED: Friday, January 02, 2004

We contacted our local television troubleshooter here in our hometown. He came out to our hous and did and on camera interview about what these people are doing and the tactics they are using. It aired on our television station here in ohio. I also sent letters to the BBB and the FTC and Att. Gen. offices. Today we received a letter stating that all our data and any info. pertaining to this debt or whatever they consider it to be is erased.. This was our goal here so you all keep pounding them. They wuill eventually go away.

AUTHOR: Phyllis - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 02, 2004

POSTED: Friday, January 02, 2004

We contacted our local television troubleshooter here in our hometown. He came out to our hous and did and on camera interview about what these people are doing and the tactics they are using. It aired on our television station here in ohio. I also sent letters to the BBB and the FTC and Att. Gen. offices. Today we received a letter stating that all our data and any info. pertaining to this debt or whatever they consider it to be is erased.. This was our goal here so you all keep pounding them. They wuill eventually go away.

AUTHOR: Phyllis - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 02, 2004

POSTED: Friday, January 02, 2004

We contacted our local television troubleshooter here in our hometown. He came out to our hous and did and on camera interview about what these people are doing and the tactics they are using. It aired on our television station here in ohio. I also sent letters to the BBB and the FTC and Att. Gen. offices. Today we received a letter stating that all our data and any info. pertaining to this debt or whatever they consider it to be is erased.. This was our goal here so you all keep pounding them. They wuill eventually go away.

AUTHOR: Phyllis - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 02, 2004

POSTED: Friday, January 02, 2004

We contacted our local television troubleshooter here in our hometown. He came out to our hous and did and on camera interview about what these people are doing and the tactics they are using. It aired on our television station here in ohio. I also sent letters to the BBB and the FTC and Att. Gen. offices. Today we received a letter stating that all our data and any info. pertaining to this debt or whatever they consider it to be is erased.. This was our goal here so you all keep pounding them. They wuill eventually go away.

AUTHOR: Michelle - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 02, 2004

POSTED: Friday, January 02, 2004

I too was worried about this had the same Jamica calling me too I put a fraud alert on with all the credit companys if you call experian tell them you suspect fruad as forgein country has your ss# they will put this alert on your credit and before issuing credit they will verify its you. They will then alert the other two credit reporting agencies who will then each contact you as well.. just call there 1800 numbers or you can do it your self .. good luck

AUTHOR: Melody - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 02, 2004

POSTED: Friday, January 02, 2004

Thank you for your input Dan, and I agree that you need to do the right thing and do whatever it takes to help us put an end to this terrorizing company, CAMCO. I have also been deeply concerned about how much information they have been able to aquire regarding the people they are harrassing. Since they have been able to obtain some sort of alleged debt records, do they also have our social security numbers? Since I have read here that part of this business is from the Carribian I have a valid concern about identity theft. Has anybody else had any reason to fear this also? I am naive about how to prevent such a thing, and frankly with me they can't get blood out of a turnip, but they could make someone's life a living hell if they are the scam artists they seem to be. Any comments or advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

AUTHOR: Susan - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, December 28, 2003

POSTED: Sunday, December 28, 2003

Dan, Although I commend you for coming forward and posting what you have it seems a bit trite... I think that if you are serious about wanting SCAMCO/SCUMCO/CAMCO to go down and would like to take a stand and perhaps mend some fences with some of the people that you undoubtedly terrorized while in their employ, that you should write Lisa Madigan at the State Attorney General's office in Illinois and speak to her candidly about what you undoubtedly know and what could prove to be usefull to people who have been terrorized by this company. The information you could provide could be very damning to them and could prove to be golden for those of trying to see them go down. Put your money where your mouth is and contact Lisa Madigan and tell her your story and what you know, perhaps then not only would you be able to live with yourself, as I am sure your unsettled conscience is what motivated you to post here, but your posts would be far more believable to all the folks on here who have been abused verbally by the miscreants that work for this company. I was threatened with bodily harm, and I am sure I'm not the only one. If you in fact know something, tell the authorities...

AUTHOR: Dan - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, December 28, 2003

POSTED: Sunday, December 28, 2003

The letter should be sufficient. I am a former employee of SCAMCO and would love to see them go down. I actually know "Dawn Anderson", who isn't a bad person, just doing her job. Terrorizing people is the only way you can make any money at that place.

I would also like to let you know that no one uses there real name. "Dawn Anderson" is an alias. Every one uses an alias except for managers.

Don't let yourself be hounded by these dogs. NO matter how threatning or serious they sound, NO legal action will be taken. Just ignore them any chance you get. They are seriously out for blood and will get caught. Feel free to post what you can about Scamco and I will respond.

AUTHOR: Melody - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, December 27, 2003

POSTED: Saturday, December 27, 2003

Today I mailed a Cease & Desist letter to these scumbags CAMCO via registered mail return receipt required. It will be interesting to see what happens next. I also remembered that during my very first conversation with the woman who didn't speak very much english that she kept asking me to verify my social security number. When I told her no fool in their right mind would give someone that info over the phone she hung up on me. How many other people have been asked to do this? Also, I've noticed that a lot of people filing rip off reports about Scumco are from California. I lived in California during the time they claim my debt was due but have since moved? Have any of you from other states lived in California at one time? Also, Ms Dawn Anderson called and left a message for me to call her on December 24th. My, aren't they the busy little bees spreading so much good cheer on Christmas Eve.